“GIVE every child in Darlington a Christmas”, is the plea behind a charity toy appeal being launched today.

The Darlington Toy Appeal is being launched by The Salvation Army in a bid to give hundreds of disadvantaged children a Christmas present.

Last year, the appeal – supported by The Northern Echo and Darlington Cares - saved more than 400 children from the heartbreak of waking up on Christmas morning without a gift.

Salvation Army minister Colin Bradshaw expects demand this year will rise, in line with increasing poverty levels across the country.

In 2011, the number of children helped by the annual toy appeal was 198, a figure that had more than doubled by 2013 when 465 children were given gifts and 230 food hampers were distributed to needy families.

Major Bradshaw said: “Our goal is to make sure every child in Darlington has a Christmas Day and that means presents.

“Christmas is the most violent time of the year and there’s an increase in families having to flee their home as well as families facing financial pressures and stress.

“Since 2011, there has been an increase in foodbanks and the need to provide food hampers has increased dramatically – poverty in Darlington is increasing.

“When a family receives a hamper or a present, it helps them be able to feel normal at Christmas – whether it’s a child able to open a brand new present or their mother being able to put a box of chocolates on the table for guests coming around.”

The initiative is being supported by Darlington Cares, a partnership of local employers committed to making the town better.

Katie Blundell from Darlington Cares said: “We are really proud to be lending our support to a really worthwhile appeal.

“What gets me is how big a problem poverty is in the town and the way it bubbles below the surface – this is not about homeless people on the street, it’s about people who don’t have the money to buy food or think about presents.”

Donations of tinned food and brand new toys and gifts suitable for children up to the age of 16 can be dropped off at The Northern Echo offices in Priestgate, Darlington between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday, at The Salvation Army citadel on Thompson Street East and at Footprints bookshop on Skinnergate from 9am until 5pm Monday to Saturday.

Financial donations can be made at Footprints or through The Salvation Army. For more details, call 01325 380994 or visit darlingtonsalvationarmy.org.uk.

The appeal will run until Sunday, November 30 when the gifts will be collected by The Salvation Army and distributed by agencies working with disadvantaged families.