THE Salvation Army, one of the UK’s leading charities, is calling on kind-hearted people to help spread a little seasonal cheer to people in need this Christmas, by donating new toys and gifts to its Christmas Present Appeal.

The appeal is on this year from November 14 to December 13.

Many of us have no idea what it feels like to have little or nothing under the tree on Christmas morning but in these difficult economic times, there will be children, families and older people in your community facing a bleak Christmas.

By donating a new gift to the Christmas Present Appeal you could make a real difference and put a smile on the face of a child.

Making a donation to The Salvation Army’s Christmas Present is simple.

Members of the public are invited to drop new, unwrapped gifts at Superdrug Taunton or Wellington.

A team of volunteers will then distribute them to referred children and families in the area through The Salvation Army’s own networks, local groups and social services.

The Salvation Army is also encouraging the public to get involved with the appeal by organising a gift collection at their workplace, gym, school, university, or sports team.

“Thanks to the generosity of people in Somerset hundreds of local people have benefited from the gifts donated to The Salvation Army over many years.

"By giving a gift or starting a collection in your workplace you can help to make a real difference in someone’s life at Christmas,” said Major Sue Camp-Richards.

The Salvation Army is an international church and charity that offers friendship, support and very practical help to people of all backgrounds, ages and need.

Through its network of 800 churches and social service centres, The Salvation Army works with thousands of children and families and is perfectly placed to distribute the Christmas Present Appeal gifts to those people in society who are most at need at Christmas.

Major Camp-Richards added: “For children and young people we need gifts such as soft and educational toys for the very youngest, to CDs, games and toys and accessories for older children.

"And please, don’t forget the teenagers, particularly the boys who sometimes tend to get left out of such appeals.

“If you have children or grandchildren, or nieces and nephews or young friends, think of what they might like in their Christmas stocking and consider buying one extra present and donating it.”

For more information visit www.salvationarmy.org.uk/christmaspresent and follow The Salvation Army on Twitter @salvationarmyuk and Facebook.