THE SALVATION Army is appealing for Christmas presents for Isle of Wight families.

The appeal is to enable any family struggling to buy gifts for their children to put a surprise for them under the tree.

Charles Swansbury, divisional leader of the southern division, said: "The Christmas Story inspires us as a church to reach out to those in need, so we’re running our annual Christmas Present Appeal this year to help ensure that every child on the Isle of Wight gets to open a present on Christmas day.

"We’re asking for brand-new, unwrapped toys or gifts so the families we support and their children feel extra special on Christmas day. Anyone can donate gifts, but if you have children, grandchildren, or children you support, think about what they might like in their Christmas stocking and consider buying an extra present and donating it to our appeal this year."

Island residents are invited to donate a new, unused toy for a child aged 0 to 16 years to The Salvation Army, Isle of Wight Corps at Pyle Street, Newport.

The team at The Salvation Army will then wrap, sort and distribute the gifts to children and families in the area through the army's networks, local groups and social services.

Gifts can include anything from soft and educational toys to games, toys and accessories for older children.

The Salvation Army put together a list of potential ideas:

  • Up to three years: soft toys, colourful and fun educational toys, cot mobiles, baby clothes, bath toys, CDs of suitable music and nursery rhymes
  • Three to five years: books, dressing up clothes, cars, lorries, dolls, action figures and soft toys, colourful and fun educational toys, CDs (music, stories and nursery rhymes), suitable DVDS, colouring sets, pencils, crayons, books, puzzles, footballs
  • Five to nine years: dolls and action figures, educational games and toys, stationery (colouring sets, pencils, crayons, school sets), CDs and family friendly DVDs, books, puzzles, word search, crosswords, skateboards, sports equipment and clothing
  • Nine to 12 years: games and toys, sports equipment and clothing, stationery, CDs, DVDs, books, T-Shirts, hair ornaments, gloves, scarves, hats
  • 13 to 16 years: CDs, DVDs, books, toiletries (please try to ensure non-allergic ingredients if possible), gloves, scarves, hats and other fashion accessories