The Family Appeal is a joint venture between The Salvation Army and the Society of St Vincent de Paul, supported by BBC Northern Ireland. The Appeal aims to make Christmas brighter for families facing severe financial hardship, by providing gifts to children at Christmas.

The Appeal collects and distributes donated Christmas toys and gifts for families in need across Northern Ireland. Last year toys and gifts were distributed to over 4,500 families helping over 11,000 children right across Northern Ireland.

This is only possible thanks to the tremendous generosity of the public, companies and social groups who donate gifts for unknown children, and to all the volunteers who work so tirelessly to collect and pack the gifts and ensure they are distributed to families in time for Christmas.

Gifts can be donated at many outlets across the province. Once donated, they will be collected by representatives from the local Salvation Army or St Vincent de Paul who will ensure they are passed on to local children in need. Please remember that all gifts should be new, safe, non-perishable and unwrapped and suitable for all ages from babies to teenagers (no soft toys please). A family gift would also be very welcome, a game, a tin of biscuits, something that would encourage the family to be closer, and spend time together.

In order to enable the charities to pack and distribute the gifts in time for Christmas, we would ask that all gifts be left at collection points across the province by Wednesday 12 December 2007.

If you are facing financial difficulty and feel you maybe eligible to apply for help from The Family Appeal contact your social worker or health visitor for an application form, or your local Salvation Army or St Vincent de Paul representative. Click here to read the guidance notes for applications which must be completed in full and countersigned by an appropriate authority as listed.

Contact numbers:

• The Family Appeal Office Belfast: 028 9067 5006
• The Salvation Army Headquarters: 028 9267 5000
• St Vincent de Paul Headquarters: 028 9035 1561

The above numbers will also be able to provide you with contact details for your local Salvation Army or St Vincent de Paul Representative.