The 2021 Christmas Toy Appeal has been launched by The Salvation Army and the Selby Times.
In just over seven weeks time we want to ensure all children in Selby are visited by Father Christmas and wake up to see presents under their trees. Unfortunately this would not happen without our loyal readers who turn our office into Santa’s grotto every year and the volunteers at The Salvation Army who work tirelessly to make sure your gifts reach all the children in need. Research carried out by Loughborough University for the End Child Poverty Coalition showed that a third of children are living in poverty in Yorkshire and the Humber as rates of poverty rise by almost a fifth over the past five years.
Jane Rogers, editor of the Selby Times, said: “Every year we are overwhelmed by the support and generosity of local people and we hope the community will pull together once again to help people in need. “Last Christmas was tough for many people, with people being unable to see their loved ones and feeling the pinch financially, so let’s help make this Christmas the best one yet for everyone in our community.” This is the fifth appeal for the current leaders of Selby’s Salvation Army, Captains Jeremy and Wendy Ferguson-Smith, and they want to remind readers that for most children, these will be the only toys they get. We will be taking donations of toys, gift sets and toiletries for boys and girls up to the age of 18 including young carers. But we must stress that all gifts must be new, and unwrapped, because Father Christmas never gives second-hand toys.
The Salvation Army will also be taking monetary gifts from anyone who wants to get behind the appeal. Please see their JustGiving page, website or Facebook site for details. Captains Wendy and Jeremy Ferguson-Smith said: “After a hugely challenging campaign last year due to the pandemic, we were deeply moved by the generosity of the general public and local businesses in supporting our toy appeal once again. As expected, the demand for toys was greater than ever before and we fully anticipate this will be the case for 2021. With families facing a steep rise in the cost of living, this will undoubtedly have a significant impact on Christmas. “Working closely with local schools, social services and other agencies, The Salvation Army are able to identify families struggling ‘to make ends meet’ and give each child a toy.” The closing date for donations is Monday, December 6. Gifts must not be gift wrapped. Donations can be dropped off at the Selby Times office at 11 The Crescent between 9am and 4pm Mondays and Tuesdays and 9am-1pm on Thursdays and Fridays. Or please call 01757 702629 to arrange a drop-off time with The Salvation Army.
Jeremy and Wendy Ferguson-Smith from The Salvation Army. (24-10-28 ST/HH)