The Salvation Army has launched its annual Christmas Present Appeal to help struggling families in Oldham.

The charity is asking for donations of new toys to support families who are finding it difficult to make ends meet during the festive season.

Each year, the Salvation Army churches ask for new toys and gifts for children whose families are unable to afford basic necessities like food, heating, or bills.

Last year, more than 1,000 children across Oldham received gifts from the Salvation Army, and the charity fears that even more will need support this year.

Kim Rogers, community engagement co-ordinator at The Salvation Army in Oldham Fitton Hill, said: "The Salvation Army’s present appeal is an opportunity for people in our communities to embrace the spirit of Christmas and give to families and individuals who have very little.

"We are incredibly grateful for the public’s generosity over the years and hope this year our appeal will be able to bring some respite to those who are struggling the most.

"Christmas is a time when financial worries are brought into sharp focus as the cost of living crisis continues to have a devastating impact on families who can’t afford to heat their homes or put a nutritious meal on the table.

"Helping parents provide a gift for their child not only eases financial pressures but helps bring the joy of Christmas into their homes."

The Salvation Army will be collecting donations of new, unwrapped toys at the Salvation Army church and community centre on Fir Tree Lane precinct, Fitton Hill, and the church and community centre on Roundthorn Road, Oldham, until Friday, December 13.

For those unable to donate a toy but still wishing to contribute to the appeal, financial donations can be made via JustGiving at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/thesalvationarmychristmas-2024-233.

The Salvation Army will sort and distribute the gifts to children and families in the area through local groups, schools, and social services.

Suggested gifts include educational toys, baby clothes, bath toys, books, dolls and action figures, sports equipment and clothing, toiletries, gloves, scarves, hats, T-shirts, hair accessories, and gift vouchers for older children.

People can also donate through The Entertainer’s Big Toy appeal.

Customers can buy an extra toy to donate when they either visit a store or shop online at TheToyShop.com.

For each toy donated, The Entertainer will also add a toy.

Each Entertainer store is connected with a Salvation Army church or centre in the area who will collect and distribute the toys as part of the wider Christmas Present Appeal.

For more information about the Christmas Present Appeal and ideas about gifts, visit www.salvationarmy.org.uk/christmas-present-appeal.