A CHURCH and charitable organisation is ensuring that no child in the town will wake up without a present this Christmas Day.

The Salvation Army’s church and community centre in St Helens, located on Tickle Avenue, Parr is encouraging the community to add an extra toy to their shopping list this year so that families struggling to buy a gift for their children can make sure there is something for them to open on Christmas Day.

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Major Sue Myhill, leader of the Salvation Army St Helens said: “This is my second Christmas as leader of The Salvation Army church in St Helens and I have a strong passion for working with the community and making other people’s Christmas’ that little bit nicer.

“For many, Christmas is a time to celebrate however we know that many local people are struggling to make ends meet and unfortunately the need for support is growing.

“By dropping off an unwrapped present you can rest assured that your generous gift will brighten the day of many local children and parents too, as there is something special about feeling the joy to wrap your child’s Christmas gift.”

People are invited to drop a new, unused and unwrapped toy for children and young people from young babies to 18 years old at the collection point at the church and community centre on Tickle Avenue or to The Salvation Army charity shop on Ormskirk Street, St Helens.

The Salvation Army will then sort and distribute the gifts to children and families in the area through its own networks, local groups, and social services.

Along with the present appeal the international church and charitable organisation is also asking for food supplies such as mince pies, chocolates, tins, dried food and toiletries to provide a food parcel to those in need this Christmas too.