Exmouth Salvation Army will be joining a national Christmas present appeal this Christmas. 

The Salvation Army church in Exmouth has been running the Christmas Present Appeal for a number of years, helping families experiencing difficulties by providing new, unwrapped toys and gifts for children who might not otherwise have the joy of opening a present on Christmas day.

Tou can donate to Exmouth Salvation Army, via their justgiving page here Exmouth Salvation Army is fundraising for The Salvation Army (justgiving.com)

The gifts are distributed through the children's centre, local schools, health visitors and other local churches. Last year The Salvation Army was able to provide gifts to around 120 families.

In addition to gifts at Christmas, throughout the past year the local Salvation Army church and charity has provided a Birthday Box, designed to help struggling families with gifts for their children’s birthdays.

As the cost of living puts a strain on already tight budgets this provision is being used more and more.

The Salvation Army in Sheppards Row is home to the Exmouth Food Bank. As the cost of food and heating increases more families are visiting.

Approaching Christmas, the Food Bank becomes even busier. In addition to the usual grocery packs, the volunteers prepare extra Christmas goody bags, not only for the Food Bank’s own clients but those of its partners including Open Door.

Space in the hall is at a premium, so this years’ donations of toys and gifts will be stored at St Andrews House, one of two Salvation Army Housing Association (SAHA) properties in Exmouth.

Andrew Cutler, community mission manager said: "We'd like to say a huge thank you to all those who have supported the appeal in the past and would welcome your help again in 2022.

"For a number of years, members of Glenorchy Church have given gifts to the appeal. This year is no different. On 20th November members of Glenorchy will be joined by The Salvation Army at the church’s annual Toy Service at which donations will be received.

"This is just another example of our local churches and community working together. If anyone would like to ‘Be A Star’ this Christmas by giving to the appeal, toys and gifts for children up to 16 can be donated anywhere displaying the ‘Be A Star‘ poster, including Tesco superstore Salterton Road, Heron Senior Support Services in the Parade, The Strand Pub, Open Door in Church Street and The Salvation Army Sheppards Row."