THE Salvation Army in York is facing a significant increase in the need for toys to be given as presents to some of the city’s poorest children at Christmas.
The news comes as readers are reminded they have only a couple of days to donate to The Press’ annual Toys & Tins Appeal, which collects gifts and food items for the Salvation Army, which helps the homeless and others in need, and York’s Women’s Aid Refuge, where mothers and their children go to escape from domestic abuse.
Major Andrew Dunkinson, from The Salvation Army, which gets referrals from a number of different agencies, said: “Last year, we distributed toy parcels to 185 children. To date, that figure looks to increase by nearly 100.”
However, he said demand for food parcels had decreased by 50 to around 200 this year, and he believed this could be attributed to the launch of a number of food banks.
• Readers who have not yet dropped off their gifts for the appeal at our office reception in Walmgate can do so between 9am and 5pm today or tomorrow.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here