AN annual appeal to help disadvantaged children receive a Christmas present has been launched.

In the run-up to the festive season, the Salvation Army collects toys and gifts for youngsters who otherwise would have little or nothing at Christmas.

Captain Matthew Bennett, from the Malton Corps, said: “Many families linked with local partner agencies, such as single-parent support networks and family centres, have come to rely on the toys donated through The Salvation Army’s annual gift appeal.

“Thanks to the generosity of people in Malton and Norton last year, The Salvation Army in partnership with local agencies were able to collect and distribute to children and families who might otherwise have struggled at Christmas.”

International church and charity The Salvation Army is one of the UK’s largest and most diverse providers of social services after the Government. Through its network of 800 churches and social service centres in the UK, The Salvation Army works with thousands of children and families and is perfectly placed to distribute the Christmas Present Appeal gifts to those people in society who are most at need at Christmas.

Members of the public can drop-off a new unwrapped gift for a child aged up to 16 years, at Malton Salvation Army, 40 Wood Street, Norton, before December 13 or phone 01653 693344.

Local Salvation Army representatives will collect them and then distribute them to children and families in need in the area through their own networks, local groups and social services.