Thanks to the generosity of our readers there are now several bags of toys at the Gazette and Herald office for our Christmas Toy Appeal.

We are working with the Salvation Army to make sure needy children in North Wiltshire have a present to unwrap on Christmas day.

A small team of eight volunteers from the Salvation Army will sort the toys according to lists of families provided by social services; last year more than 220 children received new toys.

One person supporting the appeal is Calne town councillor and deputy mayor Mercy Baggs, who is well aware of the need for presents. Three nights a week she volunteers at the Calne Youth Trust in Wood Street, which provides a secure place for young people aged 11 to 17 to meet.

Coun Baggs said: “It’s so important for the children to have a gift on Christmas day. Parents in this recession can’t afford a lot.”

In Chippenham, toys can be dropped off at the Gazette & Herald office, Elite Fash-ions on Station Hill and the Salvation Army in Fogham- shire. Toys can also be drop-ped off at the Gazette’s office in Devizes, at estate agents Henry George in Kingsbury Street, Marlborough, and Michael Thomas Butchers at The Triangle, Malmesbury and 32 High Street, Corsham.

New toys are needed for all ages. Please don’t wrap toys, but you should bring them in a box or bag.

Salvation Army Captain Lisa Goble said: “We are starting to get some toys in now and we have also started getting lists of families that require toys. Hopefully it will be another great year.”

Call (01249) 655458 for details.