A CHARITY is calling on the community to donate new toys to its Christmas appeal that will support families in need over the festive season.

The Salvation Army is calling on all Derwentside residents to help in their appeal.

They expect this year to be a tough Christmas for local families as many have faced job losses and reduced income due to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

Consett Salvation Army church leader, Major Ian McCredie said: “Every year we ask people to donate new toys and gifts to our Christmas present appeal so we can distribute them to families whose children would otherwise not receive a gift.

"This year, we are expecting the number of families requesting help to rise as a result of the pandemic’s impact on already tight family budgets.

“Last year, we supported some 156 families, amounting to 364 children, with toys and already we’ve started receiving requests for support ahead of Christmas.”

A donation can be made by visiting justgiving.com and accessing the Consett Salvation Army Christmas Present Appeal page.

The church, at Sherburn Terrace, Consett DH8 6ND, will also be collecting donations of brand new unwrapped toys until Tuesday, December 15 between 10:00am and 4:00pm.

In person collections will be asked to Track and Trace.

For more information contact: 01207 501512.