Salvation Army calls on the help of community to ensure the most vulnerable receive presents this Christmas

The Salvation Army is asking the community to get behind its Christmas Present Appeal to ensure the most vulnerable have something to open on the 25th December.   

Ellesmere Port Salvation Army corps (church) on Whitby Road works with a number of local agencies every year to ensure the most in need receive support. In 2015 more than 300 local children received presents to unwrap as a result of the appeal.   

Lieutenant Louise Brown, church leader at Ellesmere Port Salvation Army, said: “Social services along with other local agencies come to us with a long list of referrals and we will always ensure every child receives presents.   

“We are so grateful to the support of local people and businesses as we appreciate Christmas is an extremely expensive time of year for everyone.   

“It’s not just about the toys as our volunteers do a wonderful job sorting the presents. This year we’re grateful to have a few extra on board. It’s thanks to all their hard work that we’re able to make a difference to some of the most vulnerable people in the area.”   

One volunteer who started to get involved with the church’s community work this year is Laurence. He said: “I'm a volunteer with a national charity which supported my late wife and I as we lived with her dementia for fifteen years. Earlier this year they started a new singing activity group based at The Salvation Army on Whitby Road in Ellesmere Port and I volunteered to help. I had only recently watched the wonderful BBC One series with Paul O’Grady, 'Sally Army and Me', so it was fascinating to see just how things worked in my local area." 

“I was so impressed by everyone I met that I quickly became involved myself and now I attend church and volunteer with The Salvation Army as well. It’s made such a huge difference to my life. In fact, I’ll be volunteering on Christmas Day to serve lunch to people who would otherwise be on their own.”   

Louise is asking local people to drop in new, unwrapped presents into our corps before 18th December.    Gifts can include anything from soft and educational toys for the very youngest child, to games, toys and accessories for older children.   

Louise would like to extend a warm welcome to local people to gather around the Christmas tree on Christmas Eve for carols at 6:30pm, The Salvation Army Corps, Whitby Road.  Lunch is being served at the corps on Christmas day for anyone that is going to be on their own – contact Louise to book a place.    The Salvation Army in Ellesmere Port supports the community throughout the year as well as at Christmas. There is a Come and Meet Each Other Group for anyone to attend, as well as a variety of groups of children and families. The corps charity shop plays a key role in the community as does worship every Sunday.   

For more than 150 years The Salvation Army has been transforming lives and continues to do so today in communities across the UK and throughout the world.   

For more information about the Christmas Present Appeal, contact:  Lieutenant Louise Brown, Corps Officer at Ellesmere Port: louise.brown@salvationarmy.org.uk / 0151 355 1400    

Gift ideas for children and young people ·  

0-3 years: colourful and fun educational toys, cot mobiles, baby clothes, bath toys, CDs of suitable music and nursery rhymes;  ·

3-5 years: books, dressing up clothes, cars, lorries, dolls, action figures, colourful and fun educational toys, CDs (music, stories and nursery rhymes), suitable DVDS, colouring sets, pencils, crayons, books, puzzles, footballs;  ·  

5-9 years: dolls and action figures, educational games and toys, stationery (colouring sets, pencils, crayons, school sets), CDs and family friendly DVDs, books, puzzles, word search, crosswords, skateboards, sports equipment and clothing;  ·  

9-12 years: games and toys, sports equipment and clothing, stationery, CDs, DVDs, books, T-Shirts, hair ornaments, gloves, scarves, hats, music or book tokens;  ·

13-16 years: CDs, DVDs, books, toiletries (please try to ensure non-allergic ingredients if possible), gloves, scarves, hats and other fashion accessories, music or book tokens.