Kettering Salvation Army launches annual Christmas appeal

The charity is again calling on people for support as it appeals for toys, food and other suitable presents for struggling parents to give to their children on Christmas Day.

Major Nigel Govier, Kettering Salvation Army's commanding officer, said the Christian charity is expecting just as much, if not more, demand for the appeal this year.

A number of elderly people spending Christmas alone will also receive food parcels and a Christmas gift.

Major Govier said: "We’ve always had great support from Kettering folk, but again this year many people will still be forced to cut back and perhaps go without at Christmas.

"So we will be delighted to once more receive donations of new gifts for all age groups – young and old.

"Please don’t wrap the items – we will do that after ensuring the gifts are suitable for each person.

"Food preferably needs to be in tins or packets with an adequate shelf life.”

Two Kettering stores in the town centre – Wilkinson’s in Newland Street and Superdrug on the High Street – are again operating collection points where shoppers can place their gifts of new toys, books, groceries, winter clothing and toiletries.

Items can also be left in the Asda supermarket in Cunliffe Drive.

The Salvation Army’s community hall will be open 10am to 2pm Mondays to Fridays to receive gifts from the public using the Regent Street entrance or call 01536 513883 to arrange a ‘dropping off’ time.

Donations can be made until December 16.

Major Govier said: "We are always so grateful for people’s generosity and we want to thank people for all they have done in the past and what they will do this year.”

A special event during the appeal is the toy service.

This will take place on Sunday, December 1, at 10am in The Salvation Army church in Rockingham Road.

Gifts of toys for the appeal will be placed under the Christmas tree, and Santa Claus usually pays an early Christmas visit with a sack full of sweets to share.