Salvation Army launches Torbay Christmas Toy Appeal

The Salvation Army has launched its Christmas Toy Appeal to support families across Torbay

It is appealing for donations of new and unwrapped toys to ensure that all referred local children will have the opportunity to receive a gift to open this Christmas.

Community Mission Manager Andy Bichard said: “Christmas is a time when families come together to share joy, excitement, and see the delight on children’s faces when they open their presents. Sadly, for many families during these ongoing, difficult and turbulent times, this simply isn’t possible.

“More and more people are struggling to make ends meet which we see at our foodbank and across many services across Torbay and that’s why The Salvation Army is once again stepping forward to bring hope and practical support to those who need it most. Especially young families and children who could otherwise go without.”

The Salvation Army has been supporting people across Torbay for more than 100 years, providing help through pastoral care and community outreach. 

The Christmas Toy Appeal is an important part of this ongoing work, helping local families to experience the joy of Christmas even in difficult times.

Andy said: “We’re asking the people of Torbay to play their part. By donating brand new, unwrapped toys, you can help us make sure every child we support has something special waiting for them on Christmas morning.”

The Salvation Army will also be continuing its partnership with The Entertainer toyshop, whilst also working with a number of businesses across Torbay, who will be able to accept donations for this year’s Toy Appeal directly. 

Torquay partners: The Entertainer, Visto Lounge and Bank Torquay (Fleet Street)

Paignton partners: ToyMaster and The Works

 Toys can be donated in-store during their respective opening hours.

Andy said: “We have already had fantastic support from the Winners 2000 Gym at Torquay. Thanks to Gess, Wendy, the team and members we have already had a wonderful donation of toys to kick start this year’s donation. If any business or group would like to support us in the same way, then please do get in touch and together help make a difference this Christmas”.

The Toy Appeal is not the only way The Salvation Army are actively looking to support children and young families across Torbay. 

Tiny Toes toddler group

The Tiny Toes toddler group has recently started, which ‍is open every Monday morning from 10am to 11.30am during school term times at the Torquay Salvation‍ Army. 

This group offers a friendly environment for both parents and children to socialise and engage in play.

Situated centrally in Torquay, Tiny Toes offers a secure and inviting space where children can develop and explore, while parents and carers can find support and a sense of community in a safe space, with a friendly team ready to welcome them.

"We hope that Tiny Toes will become a vibrant little community where toddlers, parents and carers can play, learn and socialise together. Relationships are so important at every stage of life, so if we can give people the opportunity to love and grow together, then we will be delighted to play a part in that. We are timing Tiny Toes to be open during the hours of our foodbank, so we can directly support families with food provision if the need exists, as we want to support families in any way we can,” says Andy.

To give The Salvation Army and its referral partners enough time to distribute the gifts, donations should be made by Friday December 5.

Donations to Torquay Salvation Army can be made Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday between 9am – 1:30pm and every Wednesday 9am – 3pm and Thursday 9am – 1pm at Paignton Salvation Army.

For more information or to donate, please contact:

torbay@salvationarmy.org.uk

Torquay Salvation Army: 01803 294197

Paignton Salvation Army: 01803 527044