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The Salvation Army in York has launched its annual Christmas toy appeal to ensure the most vulnerable children and young people in, and around, York are able to unwrap a present this Christmas. Rachael Maskell MP for York Central and York Salvation Army Major Andrew Dunkinson launched the appeal this year at Co-operative Travel on Foss Islands. Salvation Army will donate the toys through local agencies which work with some of the most vulnerable families in York.

Rachael Maskell MP says:
“It is an absolute scandal that in Britain, one of wealthiest nations in the world, that there will be children waking up on Christmas morning in severe poverty, where often their families are having to choose between heating and eating. For these families Christmas is a luxury they just can’t afford.

“As social security entitlements are cut and families find themselves in desperate situations, children inevitably loose out. Donating a gift this Christmas can make the world of difference, putting a smile on the face of a youngster that otherwise may not have received a gift at all.

“I would like to thank the Salvation Army for their continued and sadly, much required dedication and support to help those in need.

“I urge everyone to donate what they can to this important appeal as together we must ensure that all children in York have the opportunity to experience the joy that Christmas can bring.”

Last Christmas, more than 560 children and young people received toys from The Salvation Army Major Andrew Dunkinson, is expecting a rise in demand this year:
“We’ve run our Toy Appeal in York for many years, but last year saw an additional 200 children referred to us from York, Easingwold and Knaresborough.  Supporting the most vulnerable people, wherever they are, is key to our mission and ensuring they each receive a present at Christmas is very close to our hearts.”

Major Dunkinson, continued:
“Last year, we spent over £7,000 supplementing the donations of toys and food items to ensure every child received presents on Christmas morning and over 230 families had enough food to really enjoy Christmas. We are always staggered by the generosity of the public and I want to thank everyone who has already committed themselves to helping this year”

Local agencies send referrals to The Salvation Army, who then supply the toys with the aim of ensuring no child or young person goes without something to unwrap at Christmas. Individual support workers from the agencies are involved carefully selecting the presents for the families they work with.

If you would like to support this appeal there are a number of drop-off points -; just take your new toy unwrapped to any of them between 11th November and 11th December:

Co-operative Travel (Foss Island & Clifton Moor)
Herbert Todd & Son (York, Acomb & Harrogate)
Pear Tree Farm, Monks Cross
Starbucks, Monks Cross
Toys R Us, Clifton Moor

The Salvation Army can be contacted on 01904 630470 and further details of the appeal can be found at www.YorkSA.org.uk

 

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