THE Salvation Army has collected a car load of food, toys, games, teddies and jigsaws from The Press headquarters as it battles to ensure all children have presents and food on Christmas Day.

Hundreds of gifts have been donated by generous readers to our annual Toys & Tins Appeal, which aims to bring Christmas cheer to some of York and North Yorkshire’s most vulnerable and needy people.

Major Andrew Dunkinson, of the Salvation Army, said it would be helping 643 children who had been referred to it for help, with another 278 families referred for additional food relief.

He said, “It is a sad reflection of the times that in 2017 there are so many people being referred to us for assistance.

“We are all aware of the increase in poverty around us and, when so many people struggle to support their families every week, we’re humbled that we can help bring some joy and happiness into so many difficult situations at Christmastime.

“We once again thank the public and local businesses for their overwhelming generosity that matches the referral demand. Thank you for making a difference this Christmas!”

The appeal is also collecting toys and other gifts for the York refuge run by Independent Domestic Abuse Services (IDAS), which helps victims of domestic violence.

Corrina Dobson, children’s support worker, has spoken of the importance of the appeal for the refuge, where children and their mothers will be staying over Christmas with little money to buy presents.

*Readers who want to donate to the appeal have until this Friday afternoon to hand them in to The Press’s reception in Walmgate between 9am and 3pm, and 4pm to 5pm any day this week.