Help give a child a special Christmas

The Kentish Express office is filling up fast with children’s gifts in support of the Salvation Army Christmas gift appeal.

In the last week alone, DVDs, dolls, bath toys, make up and teddies have been donated to help the neediest children in the borough.

The annual appeal helps distribute new presents to families and others who struggle to afford gifts.

Sticker books, soft toys, racing cars, jigsaw puzzles, crayons and Lego have also been donated by generous residents.

Retired envoy Valerie Barkley, 68, who has helped co-ordinate the appeal for the last 10 years, said: “We believe every child deserves a new gift at Christmas.”

The group asks for all gifts to be new and unwrapped. They are unable to take used or second hand items. Gifts can be dropped off at the Kentish Express office in North Street or the NatWest Bank in Ashford High Street.

Donations of non-perishable food can also be made in addition to gifts at the Salvation Army Hall in Cudworth Road, Willesborough, which is open on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays between 10am and noon.

The Ashford branch is also seeking guests for its Christmas dinner at The John Wallis Academy. Lots of volunteers have come forward, but there is still more work to be done.

Valerie added: “I need some entertainment too. Something like an accordion or a dancer. I have got lots of dinner spaces.”

If you’re interested in attending or helping in any way, call 01233 643480.

Molly MilehamChappell with some of the donations for this Christmas