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Festive hampers made to 'take pressure off parents'

BBC Volunteers of the Salvation Army standing looking at the cameraBBC
A team of 14 volunteers are working together to make sure every child has a present to open on Christmas Day

Almost 1,000 people in Gloucestershire are set to benefit from toys and food hampers after huge support for a Christmas campaign.

Volunteers at The Salvation Army are wrapping and sorting 600 toys donated for Cheltenham and Tewkesbury families after an appeal for donations closed on Tuesday.

The 14 volunteers are also building 630 food hampers for those who will struggle to put food on the table this Christmas.

James Addis, church minister in Gloucester's Salvation Army branch, said they "couldn't do anything without" the volunteers.

A volunteer wearing a purple hoodie sorting through boxed toys
Volunteers helped with packing the boxes this week

The Salvation Army runs a present appeal every year to make sure no child goes without a gift on Christmas Day.

"We do this so every child has a present to open and we're thankful to the local communities to support us in this way to be able to do that," Mr Addis said.

"It will make a massive difference to families that need that extra support."

Every package includes treats including food, chocolates, books and games.

Luke Wallis, a University of Gloucestershire student who volunteers for the charity, said: "It's the satisfaction that I'm helping to actually do something instead of lying in bed."

Two volunteers filling up hamper bags with items on tables in a hall
The hampers include treats such as chocolates, toys and books and essentials such as food

Volunteer Jo Veits said volunteering time to help with the project is "just such a small thing we can give back".

"The company I work with has supported the Salvation Army with this project over the last few years, it's very important for us to be involved and help."

Liz Hall, deputy director of family ministries at The Salvation Army said the cost of living crisis "continues to have a devastating impact on families".

"Helping parents provide a gift for their child is more than just financial support, it simply takes the pressure off them at Christmas," she said.

"The Salvation Army's present appeal is an opportunity for people in our communities to embrace the spirit of Christmas and give to families and individuals who have very little."

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