Salvation Army launches Christmas toy appeal in Bishop's Stortford

Bishop’s Stortford’s Salvation Army has launched its Christmas gift appeal to bring festive cheer to underprivileged families.

The town's corps – the only branch of the church in East Herts – anticipates supporting more than 100 households at one of the most difficult times of the year for those living in poverty.

Captain Megan Kervin said: "The Salvation Army is a worldwide Christian church and registered charity which has been fighting against social inequality in Bishop’s Stortford for over 130 years.

For the last five years at least, the local corps has been involved with providing toys and other gifts for families in Stortford and across East Herts who are involved with intervention teams.

"As we have explained to younger groups, Santa may visit every home, but children often like to get gifts from their parents, too, and sometimes the parents sadly can’t afford it," said Capt Kervin.

"Until last year these families were allocated by their workers to either Bishop’s Stortford Salvation Army or Ware Salvation Army, based on postcode. Due to Ware being closed earlier in 2019, Bishop’s Stortford is now the only Salvation Army in East Herts.

"Despite being a small group, the commitment was made to continue to help all the families in East Herts, meaning we could expect up to 100 families to be referred. With an average two to three children per household, this is quite a challenge to provide for likely over 300 children.

"And so we would love the help of our town. We are always so grateful to our community for all of the support and donations we receive all year round. We are never prevented from helping someone in need because someone, somewhere has already often provided the funding for us to do the work we do."

Captain Kervin paid tribute to The Works in Potter Street, which advises on age-appropriate presents and offers the corps a "significant discount".

As last year, Jackson Square toy shop The Entertainer will be supporting the appeal. Customers can buy a toy in store from Friday, November 1 to Saturday, November 16 for the Salvation Army's appeal and The Entertainer will match the donation with another gift for an underprivileged child.

Capt Kervin said: "We are also hoping to partner with Argos in Sainsbury’s Jackson Square as a deposit location, so keep your eyes peeled for a basket in store."

The corps needs donations to ensure:

Children aged 0-12 receive:

• A toy
• A book
• Chocolate or sweet item (over four years)
• A craft
• Something extra.

Children aged 13-15 receive:

• A £10 ‘one-4-all’ voucher
• Something to open, i.e. socks or toiletries
• Chocolate or sweet item.

Children aged 16-18 receive:

• A £15 ‘one-4-all’ voucher
• Chocolate or sweet item.

Capt Kervin added: "We also like to be able to send a soapbox to each parent or guardian in a household which the children wrap with their workers. Each family also receives wrapping paper and tape so that the parents can wrap the gifts for the children themselves.

"And, where possible, we send a game that the whole family can play together. We do need all items to be new and sealed to avoid disappointment for children on the day."

Donations can be left at the Salvation Army shop in South Street, marked for the attention of Capt Megan Kervin and Toy Appeal 2019.

The corps is holding a special service on Sunday, December 8 in the Markwell Pavilion, Castle Gardens, where toys can be taken in a harvest festival style.