Almost 1,000 children were given gifts to open on Christmas morning – thanks to generous donations to Leeds Bramley Salvation Army’s Christmas Toy Appeal.
The church and charity, based at Copper Beech Community Hub in Broad Lane, saw referrals to its appeal double this year with 987 children receiving gifts compared to 456 in 2024.
Every year Salvation Army churches ask people to donate new toys and gifts for children whose families are already making impossible choices between food, heating, and bills.
It’s thanks to the generosity of members of the public, local businesses, churches and charities that they were able to meet the high demand this year.
Hannah Cribbin, Pioneer Leader at Copper Beech Hub, said: “The cost-of-living crisis has meant that so many families continue to struggle all year round but especially at Christmas, when financial worries are brought into sharp focus.
“Many of the families we serve would not have presents to open on Christmas day morning without this support. Thanks to your donations, we were able to relieve that pressure and ensure that the most vulnerable children across our community had something to open on Christmas morning.”
The team worked with agencies including social services and schools to ensure the presents reached those that needed it most.
Hannah continued: “This year for the first time we asked agencies to give us any information they could about the interests of the young people receiving gifts so that we could try and match them.
“One of the social workers asked if we had any gifts in a gothic style, something we don’t often receive. We searched through our donations, and by God’s provision, we discovered a Nightmare Before Christmas figurine. When the social worker arrived to collect the parcels, she was overjoyed. She said it was perfect and that the young person she was supporting, who was facing difficult circumstances, would really appreciate it.
“The Christmas present appeal is how we put our belief into action, showing love where it’s needed most.
“We are always overwhelmed by the generosity of the those who donate and support our appeal each year as well as the volunteers who help us sort and pack gifts. It’s thanks to you that these children woke up on Christmas Day with a smile on their faces.”
Copper Beech is a joint Salvation Army and Salvation Army Homes community made up of 84 homes, a Salvation Army day care nursery and after school care provision, and a faith based community at Copper Beech Hub.
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