AN army of volunteers is needed to help those in need in York this Christmas.
The Salvation Army is getting ready for its Christmas season after the year has seen a number of changes with the new leaders Majors Andrea and Andrew Vertigan appointed with a remit to create a city wide strategy.
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The church and charity is working hard to provide presents to children who would otherwise have nothing to open on Christmas morning.
It is also distributing hampers and Christmas cards from BBC Radio York listeners to those who will be spending nights on the street during the festive period.
The church, based at Burton Green Primary School, has been working closely with Charlie Malarkey from the early intervention and prevention team, at Lawrence Street, as part of a city-wide approach to support people who are struggling.
Charlie said: “Each year we fill festive hampers for people who are forced to sleep on the streets with warm clothing and treats like chocolates, cakes, Pringles - all those things we love to eat at Christmas.
“We’ve already been overwhelmed by the generosity of members of the public and of the York Salvation Army church members who have helped us fulfil our requests. Christmas can be a really tough time for people who are living on the streets, struggling with poor mental and physical health and heightened emotions. To know people care by donating gifts and cards means a lot and shows people that they are not forgotten.”
As part of The Salvation Army’s city-wide strategy, led by church leaders Majors Andrew and Andrea, the Christmas Present Appeal is also donating toys to people who are experiencing homelessness so they have something to gift to their children.
It is part of The Salvation Army’s Christmas Present Appeal, which last year supported 650 families across the city and gave out around 3,500 presents, ensuring that children had something to open on Christmas morning.
Now with donations coming in thick and fast, it’s volunteers that are needed to help sort through the gifts so they can be distributed to agencies supporting the most vulnerable families.
Major Andrew said: “Christmas is meant to be a time of love and joy, but for many it’s a time of stress and despair when financial worries are brought into sharp focus for families who are struggling to heat their homes, let alone provide presents for their children.
“We’re so thankful for the donations we’ve had which means we can support so many families, but what we really need now is an army of volunteers to help us deliver the best Christmas we can to those children.
“Our Christmas Present Appeal is an opportunity for people to embrace the spirit of Christmas and spread love and joy to those in our community. Volunteering is a great way of giving back, and we promise we’ll make it fun as well! Please do get in touch if you can help.”
The Salvation Army will be running its present appeal from Lidgett Grove Methodist Church, who have kindly donated the space due to higher demand for the appeal this year and the need for more space to store presents.
There are opportunities to volunteer throughout December with a volunteer registration morning being held at Lidgett on Thursday,November 27. If you would like to attend please get in touch by emailing york.corps@salvationarmy.org.uk
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