Donate presents to children who might not otherwise receive any on Christmas day with the support of the Salvation Army
![You can help struggling families make sure they put a smile on their young one's face](https://cardiffjournalism.co.uk/altcardiff/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2017/12/SA-1.jpg)
Help bring joy by donating presents to children who might not get one
Christmas this year can be an altruistic affair; you can help bring joy to those who might not otherwise have a chance to experience it.
Until mid-December, you can donate toys for children who might not receive Christmas presents. The charity is encouraging people to add an extra toy to their shopping lists, so struggling families can make sure there is a small surprise for their little ones come Christmas morning.
A Salvation Army spokesperson said: “During the festive season, when many are enjoying celebrations with friends and family, others are struggling to make ends meet.”
You simply have to drop off your presents in an appeal that is locally run by an organization (can be a church, charity shop, homeless service, older people service or employment service).
Post this, it is picked up by the Salvation Army and is then wrapped and ready to be sent off to different homes. In general, the gifts are given to social service organizations who then refer families to whom the gifts should be distributed.
![The Salvation Army have been organising Christmas appeals for some years now and this is a photo of some of the toys that they collected](https://cardiffjournalism.co.uk/altcardiff/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2017/12/2017-11-30_140709.jpg)
The Salvation Army managed to collect a lot of toys last year for their Christmas Appeal
Coordinator for The Salvation Army’s ‘Toys & Tins’ appeal in Norwich, Hazel Sommerville said: “It’s wonderful to imagine children’s faces light up when they open their Christmas presents.
“If you have children, grandchildren, or children you support, think of what they might like in their Christmas stocking and consider buying an extra present and donating it. We’re asking for brand-new toys or gifts so the families we support feel extra special.”
The process of family selection varies slightly between each church/community centre depending on where they receive the recommendations from.
Seeing as each appeal is run differently, the local organization running the appeal may often vary what you can donate, perhaps food or both toys and food.
This campaign is up and running all around the United Kingdom. You can find out where the closest local appeal is through the map provided.