Thousands of children, young people and their families will have a happier Christmas this year, thanks to The Salvation Army's nationwide Christmas Present Appeal.

From Saturday 19th November until Saturday 16th December members of the public are invited and encouraged to donate new gifts for children aged 0-16. The gifts will be then be distributed to needy children and their families in the local area through The Salvation Army's own networks, health visitors, children's centres and social services.

The worsening economic climate means that more and more people will find it very difficult to celebrate Christmas this year. Please help if you feel able by donating toys to help make Christmas special for people in need in our community. (If you could avoid giving cuddly toys this would be helpful as the Salvation Army usually gets inundated with these.)

Please leave your unwrapped gift at Superdrug in Church Walk or the Church Walk Shopping Centre Managers Office on the first floor of Morrison's car park. (For any queries or more information please call Chris or Karen Sandford of The Salvation Army, Caterham on 01883 330718) This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The Salvation Army is unable to take used or second hand items for the Christmas Present Appeal.

The Church Walk Shopping Centre manager, Shelley Filippi, would like to thank members of the public for their support of this event.

The Salvation Army recently opened a new shop in Station Road East, Oxted that can be contacted on 01883 716747.