Salvation Army volunteers are busy sorting through hundreds of donations to tailor packages that will go to support families in need in West Lindsey – though they say more donations for their annual toy and food parcel appeal are always needed.
Major Colin Bradshaw, Minister of Religion at the Salvation Army in Gainsborough said: “We have had a good response from our appeal, and we have toys gifted to us for children of all ages from 0-16. If a family has a 17- or 18-year-old at home, we always try and pop something in for them too.”
As well as gifts of games, toys and selection boxes, families also get a food parcel which includes some luxury items such as biscuits, custard and chocolates.
Major Bradshaw added: “Every child on our list has been assessed as being the poorest in the community. What we are doing is about giving hope and raising aspirations of local children, trapped in poverty by knowing that the community and the church care.”
Although the toys are wrapped and ready to be distributed, many urgent requests will come in closer to Christmas from families fleeing domestic abuse. Major Bradshaw said financial donations are important to help support requests when they come in.
Leader and Deputy Leader of West Lindsey District Council, Cllr Trevor Young and Cllr Lesley Rollings were invited to pack toys and meet the volunteers.
Cllr Young said seeing the generosity of local people and seeing the work of the volunteers is something he will be thinking about on Christmas Day. He said: “It is fantastic in terms of seeing the amount of donations, and it’s all going to help families at a time of need – which will be very much appreciated.
“There is a huge expectation at Christmas for families to not only buy presents but to stock up on good food. It can be a real struggle for families who are doing well, just to get by each week and initiatives like this will help those families a lot and prevent them from getting into further debt.”
Cllr Rollings carefully selected items to match the profile of the children on the lists. She said: “I am moved by the generosity of the people who have donated all these items. The toys we are packing, maybe the only toys some children receive. I can’t help but imagine the faces of the children who will open up these presents on Christmas morning. I would like to thank everyone who has supported this worthy initiative.”
Malcolm Shepherd, 77, has been volunteering for 12 years and is the food bank coordinator. He said: “At this time of year, it never ceases to amaze me, people’s generosity of toys and food. Throughout the year, we have supported for the food bank as well.
“Everyone is struggling but people are prepared to give us what they can for the benefit of those in need. We are only open two days a week and we give out 200 food parcels in that time, prior to Covid this was only 30.”
Despite generous donations, the Salvation Army are appealing for donations of non-perishable food items which are crucial to sustaining the food bank’s ability to meet the ongoing demand.
To support the Salvation Army’s initiatives, individuals and businesses are urged to donate non-perishable food items, and funds to ensure a meaningful impact in the community.
People can donate money by visiting the Salvation Army Facebook page or by scanning a QR code on the many posters around the town.
Drop-off locations for food donations can be found at:
- Gainsborough Salvation Army, Beaumont Street – Mondays & Fridays 9am-1pm/ Sundays 9:30-12pm. Money/Cheques (payable to The Salvation Army) can also be mailed here.
- Gainsborough Salvation Army Charity Shop, Queensway – Monday-Friday 9am-3pm.
- The Gainsborough Salvation Army Toy Appeal has so far provided 330 Children with brand new toys and 136 families with Christmas hampers.
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