THANKS to a scheme run by the Salvation Army and the Isle of Man Bank more than 450 children will have the pleasure of opening Christmas presents tomorrow.
The Salvation Army Toy Appeal has seen collection points set up around the island at local branches of the Isle of Man Bank over the past few weeks so people could donate easily.
The toy appeal collects gifts across the age range to cater for everyone from babies to young adults. The presents are newly bought and can be left at the various collection points.
They are then gathered up by a team of volunteers who will wrap and label them.
A number of referral agencies then take over responsibility for distributing them to vulnerable children and young people.
Salvation Army volunteer and appeal captain Carolyn Clampton said: ‘We wish to express our heartfelt appreciation for all the support given in the Isle of Man during the Christmas period. With regards to the toy appeal we are especially grateful to the Isle of Man Bank for their continued support and the enthusiastic involvement of their staff.
‘Often these toys are given anonymously so it is impossible to thank everyone personally but we would like to reassure the public that every effort is made to help the most vulnerable in our community over the festive season.’
The Salvation Army also undertakes a number of other charitable tasks as part of its annual Christmas appeal.
As Christmas approaches they distribute food parcels and provide Christmas meals in addition to running their toy appeal.
This year more than 1,800 people are expected to benefit from the generous donations by local people.
The charity also meets requests from a number of health and care organisations which refer families and individuals if they ned help over the Christmas period.
Deniese Smith, senior bank manager at Isle of Man Bank, added: ‘This is the eighth year the Bank has supported this initiative and we have been overwhelmed at the way the community has rallied round to support the Christmas toy appeal yet again.’
More details of the appeal are on the Salvation Army’s website at www.salvationarmy.org.uk.
The appeal was launched in 2004 to help those who are struggling financially.
Its objective was to ensure no child in the Isle of Man went without a Christmas present and last year more than 1,000 gifts were donated.
