A CHARITY in Barrow has launched its Christmas Appeal for 2021.

Families who find themselves struggling financially are being referred through schools, social services and other organisations to Barrow Borough Council's “Giving to Communities at Christmas” scheme.

The Salvation Army, in partnership with Project John, will support parents to provide their children with gifts for Christmas. Brand new toys will be given, as well as chocolates, wrapping paper, Christmas magazines and books with the Christmas story in.

Different organisations in the town are supporting other people referred through this scheme such as teenagers, elderly and isolated people and the Foodbank is supporting people with Christmas hampers.

Lieutenant Kat Whitmore, who leads The Salvation Army in Barrow with her husband Jonny, said: "It is such a joy to be able to help people at Christmas. Knowing how much God loves every person, we just want to share that with people, and enabling families to give gifts to their children is one way that we can do that. It’s amazing that so many organisations and individuals in town want to donate and get involved. It really shows us what a generous community we have here in Barrow.’

If you would like to donate to The Salvation Army’s Christmas Appeal, there are a number of ways you can do this: brand new toys, stocking fillers and chocolates can be dropped off at The Salvation Army on Abbey Road, or put in donation points located at Nationwide, HSBC, Conlons, The Entertainer, Tesco and Morrison’s.

Money can be donated in person at The Salvation Army on Abbey Road or online, via JustGiving at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/salvationarmybarrow