Tesco donates lorry full of toys to Salvation Army’s Christmas Present Appeal

The Salvation Army’s annual Christmas Present Appeal received a welcome fillip from Tesco this week with a heart-warming donation of 3,500 toys. 

The Appeal provides toys to families whose children would otherwise not receive a gift at Christmas.

Last year, the Christmas Present Appeal provided gifts to over 96,000 children. Salvation Army Citadels have supported families at Christmas for a great many years. Practical support for those in need has been an integral part of the work of the Salvation Army throughout its long history.

Tesco’s lorry of toys was delivered to the Salvation Army’s distribution centre in Wollaston and from there they will travel to every corner of the UK where local Salvation Army corps will get them to the families who need them.

The donation was made up of pallets of family favourites such as Peppa Pig playsets, Lego sets, jigsaw puzzles, Hot Wheels Motor Makers Kitz, Paw Patrol sets, Teamsterz Monster Moverz, Cry Babies dolls and Rainbocorns.

Ally Rose Category Director at Tesco said: “More than ever at Christmas, we want to support our communities and those who might be struggling, especially families who may be finding it hard to afford presents for their children this year.

 “We hope our support for the Salvation Army’s Christmas Present Appeal will make Christmas Day a little easier for hard-pressed families across the UK.”

Lt Col Dean Pallant of The Salvation Army said: “We're delighted to be partnering with Tesco this Christmas and thank them for their generous donation of toys. This year, faced with spiralling inflation and the soaring cost of living, more people in crisis are turning to The Salvation Army for help.

 “Donations like these from Tesco provide a beacon of light to vulnerable families on the brink and help us bring joy to many children at Christmas.”

In addition to the donation to the Salvation Army’s Christmas Present Appeal, generous Tesco customers have been dropping thousands of toys into their local participating stores which community groups will pass on to families who need them.

Incidentally you can make donations or volunteer to help in local Salvation Army charity shops. You can learn about these here https://www.salvationarmy.org.uk/charity-shops.