Weston-super-Mare Salvation Army is asking for new toys for local children this Christmas. You can give online or through its wishlist, and its fayre is on 14 November.
The Salvation Army in Weston-super-Mare has opened its Christmas Present Appeal. It is asking people to give new toys so that no child in the area goes without a present on Christmas Day.
The gifts go to children whose families “are already making impossible choices between food, heating, and bills”, the church says on its own page (The Salvation Army, Weston-super-Mare).
It says it gave out many gifts and vouchers in past years, thanks to local people and businesses. It fears the rising cost of living will mean more families need help this year.
How to give
The church lists two ways to give:
- Money, through its JustGiving page
- A toy, bought from its Amazon wishlist
The gifts are then sorted and handed out to families in the area. Gifts should be new; the Salvation Army asks for new toys, not second-hand ones.
The church has not published a drop-off point or a closing date for toys handed in by hand. To ask, contact the church on 01934 425134 or westonsupermare@salvationarmy.org.uk.
“This Christmas families are wondering how they’ll get through the week,” said Major Peter Beeldman, who leads the church with Christa Beeldman.
Christmas dates at Carlton Street
The church on Carlton Street, BS23 1UA, has three Christmas events listed:
| Event | When | What |
|---|---|---|
| Christmas Fayre | Saturday 14 November, from 10am | Stalls, games, cakes, music, carols and refreshments |
| Singing by Heart | Friday 11 December | A dementia-friendly sing-along of Christmas carols, with mince pies |
| Community carol service | Date to be announced | Carols, the Christmas story and mince pies |
The fayre falls on the same day as Weston’s free Christmas lights switch-on in the Italian Gardens, which starts at 4pm.
Other ways to help
The church also runs a charity shop at 18 Waterloo Street, open Monday to Saturday, 9.30am to 4pm. It is looking for volunteers. Its weekly lunch club runs on Wednesdays from 12.30pm to 2pm, at £5 a meal, booked by phone.
What it means for you
- Give early. Toys need sorting before they can go out, so earlier gifts are easier to use.
- Check what is wanted. The wishlist shows the gifts the church has asked for.
- If your family needs help, the church’s number is 01934 425134. North Somerset Council’s benefits and support page lists other help.
More festive dates are on our what’s on this month page.
Have your say