St Vincent dePaul and Salvation Army in Christmas Appeal to help struggling local families

The appeal has been helping struggling families celebrate Christmas for 40 years and this year will help families who are facing impossible choices.

The Appeal has benefited from the enormous generosity of the public who have donated thousands of toys in previous years. This Christmas, due to Covid-19, people are being encouraged to make a donation online at www.uk.virginmoneygiving.com/ChristmasFamilyAppeal.

Captain Julia Mapstone from The Salvation Army said: “As a church and charity, we are inspired by the Christmas message to reach out to families in need with presents for children who might otherwise miss out on the joy and hope of this time of year.

“ We have seen first-hand the impact of the pandemic on the families we support.

“That’s why we look forward to working with our good friends at St Vincent de Paul again to bring Christmas cheer to children and young people who might otherwise go without.”

Ella McCallion from St Vincent de Paul added: “Traditionally a time of hope, for some families we support this time of year is filled with worry and dread.

“These feelings have been heightened with the impact of the pandemic and while we are all considering a different kind of Christmas this year, some families will be faced with impossible choices - the choice of heating their home or putting presents under the tree; the choice of buying Christmas dinner or new clothes for their children.

“We want every child in NI to enjoy the magic of Christmas by finding a gift under the tree on Christmas morning.

“Online donations made to the Christmas Family Appeal this year will be converted into gift vouchers empowering parents and guardians to choose gifts themselves.”