Newark Salvation Army volunteers wrap hundreds of presents for children
More than 300 children in 157 families will receive toys and sweets collected by Newark Salvation Army in its annual Christmas toy appeal.
Volunteers, some of whom are pictured, spent hours wrapping hundreds of presents to be distributed among youngsters who might otherwise receive very few.
The appeal’s new organiser, Heather Beedham, said the response seemed to grow every year, but so did the need for it.
“We have such an incredibly generous town that has really come on board with this,” she said. “It gets bigger and bigger every year, but then so does the need.”
Gifts given for the annual Santa toy run from Southwell by motorcyclists and scooter riders is always one of the first batch of donations the Salvation Army receives.
Heather said the town supermarkets had also done their bit for the appeal.
“The supermarkets this year have been incredibly supportive,” she said
This year there has again been a donation of toys from Team Knowhow in Newark.
They set up three collection points for colleagues to donate toys, games, clothes and toiletries suitable for children of all ages.
In all, Team KnowHow staff donated more than £3,000- worth of presents.
Sonata Dirmaite, of Team Knowhow, said she felt it was vital to support the appeal.
“I believe it is important for everybody to do their part for local children in our town, and help out wherever they can to ensure every child enjoys a special Christmas this year,” she said.
Captain Matt Elsey, of Newark Salvation Army, said: “Every toy given is important as we have over 300 children to provide for this Christmas through our toy appeal.
“Many of the children may not receive many or any gifts for variety of reasons.
“It isn’t hard to imagine what a difference they will make to a family’s Christmas celebrations.”
Heather Beedham said the toys would be distributed through a range of local agencies — Balderton Primary Care, Bishop Alexander Academy, Citizens’ Advice, Newark Homestart, Nottinghamshire County Council social services, Newark and Sherwood Homes, Newark Women’s Aid, Surestart, and Hawtonville Children’s Centre.
Some will also be distributed directly by the Salvation Army.
Heather said each child referred would receive at least five presents, and each family would get a tin of sweets as well.
A few toys are held back right up to Christmas Day so that the Salvation Army can give them to any eligible children who they hear of at the last minute.
Heather said the appeal had grown steadily over the years, and she paid tribute to the outgoing co-ordinator, Heather Dicks, who has been running it for the past ten years.
Heather Beedham said: “She has done an amazing job in building it up over the years. It is something we want to build on even more next year.”