Salvation Army praises response to Toys and Tins Appeal

Supporters of The Salvation Army’s annual Toys and Tins Appeal last Christmas have been praised for their amazing response, which generated help for 20 per cent more families this year than in 2020.

For the past 30 years, the appeal has been helping vulnerable children and families in Norfolk who might otherwise go without during the festive season. Members of the public donate gifts, food and toys, which are then packed and distributed by Salvation Army volunteers.

As well as physical donations, more than £5,000 was donated via a JustGiving page while supporters could also buy gifts on an Amazon Wishlist.

Figures for 2021 reveal nearly 2,500 families across Norfolk were helped, an increase of 20 per cent on the previous year. Meanwhile, more than 4,000 children had a gift to open on Christmas morning.

Major Howard Russell, Salvation Army leader in the East of England, said he wanted volunteers to the appeal and those who donated to know that their efforts have made a massive difference to many lives.

He said: “I’m sure most people will agree that when giving a gift, seeing the excitement, joy, perhaps even the tears that someone cared for them is the greatest gift of all. I thank God for you all and pray God’s blessing on you for the year ahead. 

“Thank you seems a somewhat inadequate response for everyone who supported the appeal whether it was donating, physically packing and distributing, the many businesses who offered practical support or BBC Radio Norfolk who we work in partnership with to promote the appeal.”

Major Rosemarie Williams, appeal coordinator, said working with the Toys and Tins team was a real privilege.

She added: “We will never know all of the real life stories of the families and individuals whose lives have been touched and enriched through our humble efforts, but we thank God for allowing us to play just a small part in enabling that to happen. This could not have been achieved without our amazing volunteers. We are also indebted to the many donations received, from individuals through to the larger companies.”

Anthony Isaacs, executive producer at BBC Radio Norfolk, said he was pleased to carry on supporting the appeal.

 “Despite some of the most challenging times any of us have lived through, we are truly amazed at the generosity of our listeners who have continued to help others in the county have a better Christmas,” he said.