COULD you help to support a family in need in the Liskeard area this Christmas time?

The Salvation Army’s ‘Be A Star’ appeal is asking for donations of new, unwrapped Christmas presents for children of all ages.

The donated gifts are collected and placed in gift bags to be delivered out to local people in good time for December 25.

Last year, with the help of kind donors, Liskeard’s Salvation Army provided gifts for around 130 youngsters in the town and surrounding villages.

“Lots of our referrals come from Children and Family workers,” Captain Julian Short explains.

“The Christmas Present appeal is a national Salvation Army appeal, but everything that is given locally is used locally for families in need.”

Presents can be dropped off at the Sewing Shop on Bay Tree Hill, the Tourist Information Office on Pike Street, at Mole Valley Farmers (Moorswater), and at the Salvation Army Citadel or Salvation Army charity shop on Church Street. Very local donations can be collected – ring the Salvation Army office to request.

Gift bag

“For each child referred to us we provide a gift bag with one main present, and other smaller items appropriate to their age,” says Capt Julian.

“We ask for the presents to be donated unwrapped, and provide wrapping paper, so that the families and carers can play a part in it and wrap the gifts themselves.”

The Salvation Army is encouraging local people to make donations as soon as possible and before mid-December in order to help with the process of sorting and delivering.

“Liskeard is a community that really seems to care for those less fortunate than themselves,” says Capt Julian.

“We’re very glad to be able to pass on that love and goodwill to others.”

Here’s a guide to the sorts of donations which are very welcomed:

0-3 years: dolls, teddy bears, cot mobiles, baby clothes, bath toys, CDs (music and nursery rhymes), puzzles.

3-5 years: dolls and action figures, cars, lorries, DVDs and CDs (music and nursery rhymes), colouring sets, pencils, crayons, books, puzzles.

5-9 years: educational games & toys, stationery, CDs & family friendly DVDs, books, puzzles.

9-12 years: games and toys, stationery, DVDs, books, t-shirts, hair accessories, gloves, scarves, hats.

13-16 years: books, make-up and toiletries (non-allergic ingredients if possible), gloves, scarves, hats, t-shirts, hair accessories and gift vouchers.