FOR some families, the cost of Christmas can be a struggle, but the Salvation Army in Newton Abbot hopes its Toy Appeal will help ensure more children wake up to a present on Christmas morning.

The annual appeal is calling on residents, businesses and community groups to donate new toys for children whose families may find it difficult to afford gifts during the festive season.

Among those supporting the initiative is The Works in Newton Abbot, where manager Sharron and her team are once again partnering with the Salvation Army to help make the campaign a success.

Major Nigel Byrne, leader of the Salvation Army in Newton Abbot, said the appeal was about more than simply providing presents.

‘Christmas should be a time of joy, hope and excitement for every child, but we know that for some local families, the financial pressures of everyday life make it incredibly difficult to provide the Christmas their children deserve’, he said.

‘Our Toy Appeal is about much more than presents.

‘It is about showing children and families that their community cares about them and that they are not forgotten’.

Major Byrne thanked Sharron and her colleagues at The Works, along with the local businesses, donors and volunteers who help make the appeal possible.

He urged anyone able to help to consider donating a new toy or making a financial contribution, adding that the community could make a real difference to hundreds of children this Christmas.

The final day for toy donations is Monday, December 7.

This will give volunteers time to sort and pack the gifts before distributing them to families by the end of that week.

Organisers have stressed that all donated toys must be brand new and unused, and must carry the appropriate CE safety marking.

Second-hand toys cannot be accepted, even if they have never been played with and have only been displayed in the home.

Handmade toys are also excluded under the appeal's safety requirements.

Several collection points have been established across Newton Abbot and Teignmouth.

In Newton Abbot, new toys can be taken to the Salvation Army Church and Community Centre, at 30–32 Union Street, on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday mornings between 9am and 1pm.

Donations at other times can be arranged by calling 01626 369053.

Toys can also be dropped off at Ebony & Ivory, 24–26 Union Street, which is open from 9am to 5pm.

When the Salvation Army is closed, the shop can accept new toy donations on its behalf, although it cannot take financial contributions.

Other collection points include Tesco Superstore on Newton Road, Kingsteignton, where a donation trolley is available beside Customer Services, and The Works at Unit 8, Market Walk Shopping Centre, 10 Market Street, open from 9am to 5.30pm.

In Teignmouth, donations can be taken to Fork Handles, 2 Regent Street, which is open from 9.30am to 4.30pm, except on Wednesdays and Sundays.