THE Salvation Army has launched its 2019 Christmas appeal in Barrow.

The charity has organised a special gift appeal within the Barrow community for more than 25 years.

The appeal helps partner agencies support families who are struggling at Christmas with new gifts for children and young people distributed by health visitors and other social care groups.

The Entertainer store in Barrow has pledged to match any gifts purchased in its toy store which is then donated to The Salvation Army, with another present of the same value, doubling the number of people who can be supported with a Christmas surprise.

Other partners are Conlons Opticians and Nationwide Building society on Dalton road whose staff have created collection points for the public to leave new gifts.

Captain Martin Davison, leader of The Salvation Army said: “We are delighted to have these very public spirited organisations working with us.

“We rely on the goodwill of this community to support our appeal and are humbled by the way people reach out to support others at Christmas.”

The Salvation Army foyer café at its Citadel on Abbey Road is another collection point which can be used, and from December, the gifts can be placed under the huge Christmas tree within the church that has kindly been gifted by Tesco for the appeal.

Captain Davison said: “Every year we are staggered by how kind people are and the beautiful way Christmas brings out the best in us.

“In my seven years here in Barrow we always have just the right amount of gifts to supply the people our partner agencies have identified as needing support.”

The Salvation Army Christmas Appeal also supports people who are living alone and those who are especially vulnerable at this time of year.

Gifts for teenagers and young people are especially welcome as this age group are also important in helping bring a sense of wellbeing to family life over the Christmas season.

Closing date for the appeal is Sunday December 22 when gifts can be left under the tree at The Salvation Army community carol service held on that Sunday.

The donated gifts do not need to be wrapped as they will be perfectly matched to the age of the recipients by the Salvation Army volunteers in the week before Christmas when the heartwarming distribution will begin.