THANKS to the generosity of Gazette readers, a charity which helps the homeless and less fortunate has received an overwhelming number of gifts this year for their annual Toy Appeal.

The Gazette-backed plea for donations ended on Friday, when there was a surge of kind people getting their presents in on the final day.

Food and toys given to the Salvation Army, based on Foghamshire, are distributed to vulnerable or poor families across the area who would otherwise not be able to afford to celebrate Christmas.

Miriam Dann, who co-ordinated this year’s appeal, was blown away by the level of support.

She said: “It was a really busy last day. We had so many people coming through the doors to give us presents and food.

“I’m overwhelmed by the generosity of local people. I think we’ve done even better this year than we managed in 2018, which is great.

“It’s amazing as the donations sustain our ability to be able to deliver our services to the people who really need it.

“For sure these families we help would not be able to give their children a fun Christmas if it wasn’t for the helpful people around Chippenham.

“From everyone at the Salvation Army we want to thank everyone who donated, and to the Gazette for their support this year.”

The Toy Appeal has inspired many groups across north Wiltshire to give back to those who need it this Christmas.

Chippenham Youth Netball Group were one of the clubs touched by the annual fundraiser. There are more than 80 girls, aged 8-14, who are part of the team.

Around Christmas time the girls usually hold a Secret Santa at the last training session before the holidays.

This year, eight-year-old Violet Smith suggested to the coaches that instead of giving presents to each other, they should give gifts to the Toy Appeal.

The girls, and their parents, bought so many toys and food items that it took three cars to take the gifts to the Salvation Army.

Selina Porter, the club’s chairman, said: “This made me realise how many generous people there are who are willing to give gifts away.

“I’m so proud of our girls, especially Violet, for coming up with the idea of changing how we do our Secret Santa. I was absolutely overwhelmed by the generosity. It says a lot about the girls we have in the club they were so eager to do it. Everyone gave something.

“The kids mostly brought in really nice toys and their parents came through with food and crackers.

“Now that we’ve done it once, we’ll definitely do it again. This will probably become an annual thing for us. Hopefully it gets bigger and bigger.

“The Salvation Army were so happy to receive the gifts.”