The Salvation Army is calling on the Maldon district community to donate new toys, gifts and food to this year's Christmas appeal to help support families in need over the festive season.

Salvation Army church leader, Captain Caron Doyle, said: "Every year we ask people to donate new toys and gifts to our Christmas present appeal so we can distribute them to families whose children would not otherwise receive a gift. This year, we are expecting the number of families requesting help to rise as a result of the pandemic's impact on already tight family budgets.

"Last year, we were able to provide over 450 gifts to families across the district and already we've started receiving requests for support ahead of Christmas. After a busy year providing emergency food parcels throughout lockdown, we are continuing to work with our community partners to make this Christmas special for families.

The local Salvation Army is working with Barnado's and Virgin Children's Care, who are collating referrals. They also have support from United in Kind who are running an Amazon wish list.

Alternatively, if you would prefer to buy more locally, donations of brand new, unwrapped toys and gifts can be dropped at the church in Wantz Road, Maldon, until 18 December. Contributions can also be dropped at Tesco or Morrison's in Maldon.

The Salvation Army will sort and distribute the gifts to children and families in the area through their networks and via local groups and social services.

Gifts can include anything from soft and educational toys for the very youngest child, to games, toys, books an accessories for older children (please see list of gift ideas for different age groups below).

To donate money directly to The Salvation Army in Maldon Christmas Appeal, you can visit the Just Giving page here.

You can buy from an Amazon wish list that United in Kind are running on behalf of Maldon district Salvation Army here.

More information on the Christmas present appeal is available by emailing Captain Caron Doyle here or call 01621 840088.

Gift ideas for children and young people:

0-3 years: soft toys, colourful and fun educational toys, cot mobiles, baby clothes, bath toys, CDs of

suitable music and nursery rhymes

3-5 years: books, dressing up clothes, cars, lorries, dolls, action figures and soft toys, colourful and fun

educational toys, CDs (music, stories and nursery rhymes), suitable DVDS, colouring sets, pencils, crayons,

books, puzzles, footballs

5-9 years: dolls and action figures, educational games and toys, stationery (colouring sets, pencils, crayons,

school sets), CDs and family friendly DVDs, books, puzzles, word search, crosswords, skateboards, sports

equipment and clothing

9-12 years: games and toys, sports equipment and clothing, stationery, CDs, DVDs, books, T-Shirts, hair

ornaments, gloves, scarves, hats

13-16 years: CDs, DVDs, books, toiletries (please try to ensure non-allergic ingredients if possible), gloves,

scarves, hats and other fashion accessories.