Salvation Army in Sheffield, England, United Kingdom, launches annual Christmas Present Appeal for children

The Salvation Army is asking people in Sheffield to share hope this Christmas by donating new toys to its Present Appeal, so that no child goes without a gift on Christmas Day. The appeal, published on 2 November 2026, is an annual drive by Salvation Army churches for children whose families are already making difficult choices between food, heating and bills.

Last year, supported by donations from local people and businesses, The Salvation Army across Sheffield gave gifts to hundreds of children, along with vouchers and food parcels. The church and charity say they fear that the continuing rise in the cost of living will mean more people need help this year.

Sheffield Hillsborough Salvation Army leader Lt Colonel Goff Payne said: “This Christmas families are wondering how they’ll get through the week. Our Christmas Present Appeal is an opportunity for people in our community to embrace the spirit of Christmas and give to families and individuals who have next to nothing.”

He added: “Christmas is meant to be a time of joy and togetherness, but for the people who are already struggling to put food on the table or heat their homes, it can be incredibly stressful and isolating. We believe every child deserves to experience joy on Christmas morning.”

The Hillsborough church will collect new, unwrapped toys until Friday, December 11. Donations can be dropped off at The Hillsborough Tabernacle, Proctor Place, Hillsborough, S6 4HF, or people can contact Hillsborough Salvation Army directly to arrange a drop-off. Sheffield Citadel Salvation Army, on Psalter Lane, will also collect toys at its Toy Service on Sunday, December 6, at 10.30am.

The Salvation Army will sort the gifts and distribute them to children and families in the area through local groups, schools and social services, a practice of sharing what one has with people in need (Matthew 25:35). Gifts can include educational toys, baby clothes, bath toys and books, including learn-to-read books for babies and toddlers. Donors can also give dolls and action figures, sports equipment and clothing, toiletries, gloves, scarves, hats, T-shirts, hair accessories and gift vouchers for older children. For toiletries, the church asks that donors try to choose non-allergic ingredients where possible.

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