The charity appeal helped over 2,000 families in Northern Ireland last year
A volunteer with The Salvation Army has opened up on how the charity helped his family with Christmas gifts when he was a child, which has inspired him to give back.
It comes as The Salvation Army’s Chirstmas Family Appeal returns for its 45th year, providing help to many families struggling to provide gifts for children at Christmas across Northern Ireland. It aims to support those who need it most, and with the ever-increasing cost of living, demand for support from this year’s appeal is expected to be at a record high.
Last year The Salvation Army Family Appeal at Christmas, along with other donors, helped over 2,000 families (more than 5,000 children) across Northern Ireland. As many gifts come in for younger children, this year the charity is placing a particular focus on gifts for teenagers, and in particular teenage boys.
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Speaking to Belfast Live, Salvation Army Family Appeal co-ordinator, Annie Cook, said: “With the cost of living rise, we expect to have a lot more people in need of support this year. We have already got over 800 children who have come for help, and so we anticipate there will be a greater need this year.
“The gifts we are looking for, especially this year, would be gifts for teenagers and especially teenage boys. Suitable gifts for teenage boys would be things like books, games, maybe construction kits, things to keep them warm, headphones.
“We would like to thank Belfast Live because due to your appeal last year, we saw a real upsurge in the amount of gifts for teenagers. We’re very, very grateful for that help and very grateful to the public for their generosity.”
Nick King has been volunteering with The Salvation Army for the past three years. As a child, his family received help from the charity at Christmas time, so he is keen to give back.
He said: “I retired a few years ago and saw it as an opportunity, along with my wife, to volunteer in the depot arranging toy parcels for the children. It never ceases to amaze me the amount of toys there are.
“It just shows a real generosity of people who haven’t got a clue who they’re buying toys for, but they’re so welcome. I understand the importance of it as I was one of those children a long time ago.
“I came from a happy home but not a wealthy home, and we struggled in many aspects of life and Christmas was one of them. Not knowing if you’re going to receive a Christmas present is hard for a child.
“I remember one Christmas Eve, a lady who was my Sunday school teacher arrived at the house, and she brought a bag with her, and as a child it never concerned me what was in it. Yet on Christmas Day, there were presents for me and all of my four other brothers, which we weren’t expecting. I know how important it made me feel.
“When I see the gifts, it really breaks my heart sometimes to know there are still children in the position I was in so many years ago. That’s why I feel it’s so important for me to be able to volunteer and help in some way, with the help of the public, to bring happiness to children at Christmas.”
Each year, the campaign mainly relies on the general public to ‘Be A Star’ and donate gifts, as well as the support of volunteers who work at The Salvation Army churches on arranged days. Any donated gifts must be new and unwrapped.
New and unwrapped gifts can be dropped off at all Salvation Army churches and centres across Northern Ireland until December 19, as well as designated Tesco stores until December 8. Look out for The Salvation Army ‘Be A Star’ donation banks located at the stores.
Stocking filler ideas:
- Face masks
- Make up wipes
- Shower Gel (boys and girls)
- Beauty blenders
- Deodorant (boys and girls)
- Socks (boys and girls)
- Small pocket puzzles(usually good for boys)
- Hand warmers (boys and girls)
- Mini face scrub mats
- Toothbrush (boys and girls)
- Toothpaste (boys and girls)
Members of the public and businesses are also encouraged to make a donation online through the JustGiving page by clicking here.
For further information visit The Salvation Army website here, call (028)9067 5000 or email familyappeal@salvationarmy.org.uk.
For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.
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