Bishop's Stortford Salvation Army launches Christmas toy appeal, with Indie's office as collection point

Bishop's Stortford Salvation Army team is asking Indie readers to make Christmas dreams come true for the town's most deprived children with a toy appeal.

The church and charitable organisation wants to bring festive cheer to more than 100 families across East Herts who would otherwise face a bleak day on December 25.

Major Alan Frederiksen, who has taken over from Captain Megan Kervin as leader of the Salvation Army Bishop's Stortford branch, said: "We are privileged to work closely with all the major social worker agencies who work with the families in our area, for whom Christmas will be so difficult.

"We are helping over 100 families known to the social workers, and we are also getting direct referrals to us from people who are worried.

"This year has been difficult for many; the pandemic and furlough scheme stopping and the energy crisis and cost of same are putting more families at risk to have a normal life, never mind trying to make Christmas for their children.

"If you are able, we would welcome your support. All we are doing is being the person in the middle and passing on your gifts to others. We never know the individuals we help, but we trust those who do. You can trust us to get your gift to the people in need."

After last year's appeal to Indie readers, Captain Kervin said: "Because of the financial generosity of the cash, cheque and online donations, and Bishop's Stortford Food Bank's usual support, we were also able to send vouchers or food parcels to all of the families identified by the workers.

"Every worker or family who collected or we delivered to were thrilled to receive the gifts and the food – there were tears of joy and the feeling that 'Christmas was saved'.

"This obviously has a far deeper meaning for us as a church, but for all in the community – all who gave and supported – you have pulled together to 'save Christmas' and help over 125 families and bring gifts to over 300 children."

For 2021, the focus is once again on gifts for children aged from birth to 10 years, which can be taken to the Indie office at 12 North Street in Stortford.

Once again the newspaper is also acting as a collection point for toiletry sets or similar for adult members of the families in need, and the Salvation Army is appealing for cash donations to provide presents for older children and festive packages to give recipients some of the Christmas treats others take for granted.

You can donate online at www.justgiving.com/stortford-toyappeal2021 or post or drop off cheques – made payable to The Salvation Army Bishop's Stortford – to the Bishop's Stortford Independent, 12 North Street, Bishop's Stortford, Herts CM23 2LQ