TV show shines light on struggling families helped by Christmas Present Appeal
published on 26 Nov 2020
The crucial festive work of The Salvation Army’s Christmas Present Appeal, which brings joy and hope for children who would otherwise miss out on opening a present will be featured on BBC One’s The One Show this month as part of a wider piece looking into this area as a whole.
Over four weeks, starting from Thursday 26 November (BBC One, weekdays, 7pm) struggling families helped by the appeal will be among those viewers hear from, they’ll also meet the frontline who are sorting and delivering thousands of presents at participating corps (church centres) and find out how they can donate a present or make a financial contribution to the practical support provided by The Salvation Army.
Film crews recorded at Peterborough Salvation Army with Corps Officers, Majors Lorraine and Gary Chaundy, where they are braced for increased demand from people whose livelihoods have disappeared overnight due to the lockdowns.
The One Show Presenter, Joe Crowley recently visited Peterborough Citadel to see first-hand how our Christmas Present Appeal works. After hearing from two previous Appeal recipients about the difference gifts from The Salvation Army has made for their families in the past, Joe rolled up his sleeves and helped sort donated gifts ready to go into parcels for Christmas 2020.
Kelly a mother of two children from Bourne in Lincolnshire said: “My children’s school put me in touch with The Salvation Army last year as I needed a bit of help. I went to collect a food parcel last December and was completely taken aback to be given Christmas gifts as well. It was such a surprise. It took my breath away. It made such a difference to me and my girls knowing that they were so kind.”
This Christmas will look a little different, but The Salvation Army’s frontline is there for people who need them more than ever, as without it many people would miss out on the joy and hope of Christmas.
The public are asked to check whether their local corps (centre) is participating in the Christmas Present Appeal on their local corps web page on The Salvation Army website before donating a present. Not every corps is taking part and local restrictions and conditions apply. Many corps are accepting donations via JustGiving, have set up Amazon wish lists or are collecting vouchers or cash locally to buy presents rather than accepting physical gifts.
Major Lorraine Chaundy, Peterborough Citadel Salvation Army leader said: “It was a pleasure to take part in filming to highlight the importance of The Salvation Army’s Christmas Present Appeal. This year more than ever, our support is needed in communities up and down the country. Donating to the Appeal this year, online or in person will allow us to bring Christmas joy to even more children. So many families are now struggling to make ends meet because of the pandemic and the appeal is helping ensure vulnerable children can still open a gift on Christmas day.”
To find out how to donate to the Christmas Present Appeal see: https://www.salvationarmy.org.uk/christmas-present-appeal