19 November 2008
Salvation Army launches Christmas Present Appeal
 The Salvation Army, one of the UK's leading charities, today (19 November) launches its annual Christmas Present Appeal with a call to action for members of the general public to help give a gift and light up the lives of those in need as the credit crunch bites even harder.
Every Christmas, The Salvation Army collects thousands of presents, across the nation, to be given to those who might have little or nothing on Christmas morning. Last year, The Salvation Army collected and distributed more than 150,000 presents and this year they have appealed to more local volunteers across the country to work on the Christmas Present Appeal, by helping to collect, wrap and distribute the gifts.
Recent research has shown that, with the country suffering an economic downturn, the average person plans to spend around £376 on gifts. But for many people this is a luxury, as recent figures show that 1 million Britons can't afford their mortgage payments and over 10 million people live in low income households.*
Launching on 19 November The Salvation Army's Christmas Present Appeal invites members of the public to drop off a new, unwrapped gift to be given to people in need in their local communities. The gifts are then wrapped and distributed by The Salvation Army through their own networks, through local groups and other charities, health visitors and social services.
 This year The Salvation Army has joined forces with health and beauty retailer Superdrug, which has over 910 stores and will act as the official retail drop off zone in all its stores across the UK from Aberdeen to Yeovil.
The Salvation Army's Secretary for Communications, Lieutenant Colonel Royston Bartlett says, 'The Salvation Army has run its national Christmas Present Appeal for nearly a decade, with the majority of gifts donated going to children aged 0-16. Other gifts for families, older people and the homeless are also welcomed because we know there are many people who may not receive a gift on Christmas Day.
'We are aware that, in these difficult economic times, some people may be struggling to get enough together for Christmas so this year, more than ever, we are asking members of the public to give a gift and light up a life. Unfortunately, every year there are thousands of families across the country who struggle at Christmas and we do expect an increased need this year.
'Salvation Army churches across the country will be organising different drop off points, but we are delighted that, in addition, we will have a drop off point on nearly every high street in Britain thanks to the support of Superdrug helping to make this appeal accessible to everyone.'
Join us in supporting The Salvation Army by giving a gift and lighting up a life this Christmas. Visit www.salvationarmy.org.uk/christmaspresent for details.
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