Help for Leeds families through The Salvation Army Christmas Present Appeal

The Salvation Army is calling on the community in Leeds and Morley to share love and hope this Christmas by donating new toys to its Christmas Present Appeal to help give children a Christmas they deserve.

- Harriet Whitehead

Every year Salvation Army churches ask people to donate new toys and gifts for children whose families are already making impossible choices between food, heating, and bills.

Last year, The Salvation Army distributed more than 2,000 gifts to hundreds of children across the city with the church and charity fearing more people will need support this year.

A spokesperson for The Salvation Army across Leeds said: "Our Christmas Present Appeal is an opportunity for people in our community to embrace the spirit of Christmas and give to families and individuals who have very little.

"Christmas is meant to be a time of love and joy, but for many it's a time of stress and despair when financial worries are brought into sharp focus for families who are struggling to heat their homes, let alone provide presents for their children.

"The Christmas present appeal is how we put our belief into action, showing love where it's needed most. We believe every child deserves to experience joy on Christmas morning.