Island residents are being encouraged to buy one more present this Christmas to help provide gifts for families in need.
The annual toy appeal, organised by The Salvation Army and Isle of Man Bank, asks members of the public to buy one extra gift to give to children whose parents are unable to afford presents and who would not have anything to open on Christmas morning.
Salvation Army Captain, Simon Clampton, said the need for the toy scheme is greater than ever. ‘Essential bills such as fuel, clothing and food still need to be paid for and parents can feel torn between paying these bills and buying presents for their children.
‘Thanks to the tremendous generosity of the Manx public, and working in partnership with Isle of Man Bank, The Salvation Army here on the island will try to relieve some of the pressures on those in need and remind people of the real meaning of Christmas.’
The bank’s mobile van travels around the island visiting areas such as Ballaugh, Laxey and Ballasalla to allow residents access to banking facilities without having to travel far from home.
At the end of November all gifts will be collected by Salvation Army volunteers and will be distributed to families across the island.
Families in need of help are referred to the charity through health and social care agencies and last year around 450 toys were handed out at Christmas together with 1,900 food parcels and vouchers.
The Salvation Army helps those in need in the island and gives support towards buying clothes, food and furniture.
Army Captain Simon said: ‘While Christmas is the season we experience the greatest demand for help and assistance, it must not be overlooked that The Salvation Army provides help to the most vulnerable and needy people on the island right throughout the year.
‘Compared with last year, so far in 2015 we have continued to see substantial numbers of requests for help for many of the basics in life.’
Source: IOM Today
