THE Salvation Army Christmas Appeal closes in Barrow this weekend so we are taking a look back at the organisation’s role through the years.

Gifts can be left today at the cafe foyer of the Abbey Road citadel until 2pm, or at Conlons Opticians, the Entertainer store and Nationwide Building Society.

The last opportunity to leave a gift under the citadel Christmas tree will be tomorrow at a community carol service which starts at 3pm.

The Salvation Army’s Captain Martin Davison said: “We thank all the agencies that partner with us during that service and pray for the families who receive gifts.”

It is hoped that the appeal will have received in excess of 200 presents to distribute.

He said: “It is a real testimony to the kindness of our community and their sense of ownership in supporting each other.”

In December 2007, Nicole Wilson, aged 11, handed over a bumper haul of toys to Captain Andrew Millar which she had purchased for the Salvation Army's Pass the Parcel Appeal.

Nicole had raised a total of £338 from a fundraising evening she helped to organise at the Old Bank Pub in Barrow.

More toys went to the Furness Carers Association and children’s charity the NSPCC.

In December 2001 young singers from Dane Ghyll School, Barrow, entertained members of the Good Companions Group during their Christmas party lunch at the Salvation Army citadel.

Christmas started early in 1996 when a musical street parade along Dalton Road was held ahead of a special service at the citadel.

The Mail, on Monday, November 25, noted: “Barrovians saw the biggest Salvation Army band in years at the weekend when the Southport Citadel band marched trough the town.

“Barrow’s band has reduced in numbers recently and the commanders of the Abbey Road building, Captains David and Helen Young, wanted to give Barrovians a taste of the good old days.

“The 38-strong Southport band is one of the best known in the North West.

“More than a third are aged under 25 and members include probation officers, teachers, an architect and an ex-policeman.”