Oxford Salvation Army thanks community for toy donations

Oxford Salvation Army church assisted 480 local families this Christmas, bringing hope and joy to children who would otherwise have gone without a gift this year. 

Over 2,000 new toys were donated by the kind generosity of the local community, as families struggle to put food on the table, heat their homes or pay their bills during the cost-of-living crisis. 

The Salvation Army’s Christmas Present Appeal is an opportunity for people in local communities to embrace the spirit of Christmas and give to families and individuals who have nothing. 

The Christian church and charity asked the public to donate new and unused toys and gifts for children, reaching vulnerable families through social services and other local charities. Each family also received a box of chocolates and supermarket vouchers to help buy a Christmas Day meal.

Cadet Paul Devine, a church leader at The Salvation Army in Oxfordshire said: “This is the first year my wife and I have been involved with Oxford Salvation Army’s Christmas Present Appeal and we were truly touched by the public’s generosity during such hard times that we face. We were also moved by the dedication of Oxford Salvation Army members who gave up many hours of their free time to raise thousands of pounds by singing, playing in the brass band, and collecting donations in various locations throughout Oxford, which also helped to fund the appeal. 

"Our thanks go to other local churches in our community who donated toys through dedicated toy services, The Entertainer toy shop and Inspire Chiropractic in Kidlington, whose clients donated gifts for The Salvation Army Christmas Present Appeal in place of their normal chiropractic consultation fee. We would also like to thank our team of hard-working staff and volunteers who helped to sort and distribute the presents and vouchers to families in need.”

Last year, The Salvation Army in the UK distributed more than 76,000 gifts to families and individuals. 

A church and charity, The Salvation Army expresses its Christian faith by offering friendship, practical help and support to some of the most disadvantaged people in local communities. 

You can support the work of The Salvation Army this Christmas by either donating directly to your local church or centre, or through the national appeal.