The Salvation Army offers thanks at Christmas

The Salvation Army in Coventry have appealed again this year to the general public to provide toys for children who wouldn’t otherwise receive a gift on Christmas day.

Without the help of many organisations, the Christian church wouldn’t be able to run the appeal. The people of Coventry have continued to be compassionate and generous in remembering those less fortunate. Around 700 children have been supported with gifts this year, an increase on the 650 who received Christmas presents in 2020.

Charities, hospitals, car manufacturers, hotels, schools and nurseries, businesses, motorbike clubs, care homes, churches and members of the public have all donated to the appeal.

The toys were sorted by The Salvation Army and distributed to various agencies including: homeless hostels, families in emergency accommodation, local schools and nurseries, baby charities, social services, early years teams and individual families.

The Salvation Army brass band, well-known in Coventry, played across many locations in the City in December to spread the Christmas message of hope and light. They also played at the City’s famous Transport Museum to meet the Coventry Riders Action Group, who donated funds to the Christian church for their Christmas toy appeal.

Leaders of the church at The Salvation Army in Coventry, Majors Andrew and Valerie Spivey said: “We are so grateful to all those that have donated, they have made a huge difference to the lives of so many children and families at Christmas.

“This year our appeal is themed ‘Be A Star’, encouraging our community to bring light and joy to families. It also reminds us all of that first Christmas, when a star appeared in the sky to bring the shepherds and wise men to Bethlehem to discover new hope in the birth of Jesus. By ‘being a star’ and donating to our Christmas appeal, people will shine a light in the dark for people who are struggling and in need at this special time of year. Thank you to all those who made this possible.”

At The Salvation Army Harnall Lifehouse, all the residents received a Christmas meal on Tuesday 21 December, with turkey/vegetarian option and all the normal trimmings with a Christmas dessert. Because of the new COVID restrictions, residents did not gather together but staff offered a room service, delivering meals to around 80 residents.

On Christmas day, residents are offered a buffet lunch with films to view in the afternoon, as people enjoy spending Christmas in different ways. Also ‘Coventry open Christmas’ will also be available as another option for residents to visit and spend time.

The Lifehouse not only offers a safe place to stay but gives the opportunity for individuals to address the root causes of their homelessness.