The number of organisations supporting the Gazette & Herald’s festive toy appeal has shot up.

Since the start of this year’s appeal, several businesses have offered to act as new drop-off points for toys, which will be distributed to families in need in Wiltshire so their children have a gift to open on Christmas Day.

They will be sorted and wrapped by volunteers from the Chippenham Salvation Army and distributed according to families in need as identified by social services.

In Calne, the town council has offered its information centre as a drop-off point. Staff are seeking donations.

Tracey Howell, community services officer for Calne Town Council, said a few presents had arrived already and people in the office had also brought some toys in.

She said: “From the town council’s point of view, we just jumped at the chance to help in assisting other people who may need extra help over this winter period.

“I believe this is the first time there has been a drop-off point in Calne.”

The appeal is also supported by Calne Mayor Mercy Baggs, who said it could directly benefit families living in the area on a tight budget.

She said: “There are people in Calne who would be very grateful for some help at Christmas. I think everyone is struggling.

“A lot of them are making the best of it, but I know we have had quite a few redundancies. A lot of them are on part-time work and it’s just minimum wage.”

In Chippenham, toys can be left at The Salvation Army in Foghamshire, Elite Fashions, on Station Hill, and at High Street stores Superdrug and Wilkinsons.

Drop-off points in Devizes are Winkworth estate agents and Superdrug, in Market Place, and in Marlborough at estate agents Henry George in Kingsbury Street.

Toys can also be left at Michael Thomas Butchers, at 32 High Street, Corsham, and at the Gazette’s office at 15 Duke Street, Trowbridge.

Captain Lisa Goble, from the Salvation Army, said: “We are so grateful for the public response and have had some lovely new toys in. We are also pleased that so many local businesses have supported this appeal by offering to be drop-off points.

“I would like to encourage everyone to keep on donating, as we anticipate the need will be greater this year, due to the financial pressures some people are experiencing at the moment.

“We are looking for toys across all ages, from puzzles to books and gift sets. Please do not wrap toys, but bring them in a box or bag.”

To help, call the Salvation Army on (01249) 655458.