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Salvation Army gives out Christmas Toys and Tins 

As the countdown to Christmas begins, people in Diss are being asked to support The Salvation Army’s annual Toys and Tins Appeal.

Toys and Tins sees members of the public donate gifts and food for children and families who might otherwise go without at Christmas. Toy parcels and food hampers are then distributed to those in need by Salvation Army volunteers. 
 
For the last five years the appeal in Diss has been coordinated by Doug and Jean Moye. The appeal runs until just before Christmas and Doug shared a story to demonstrate what a difference it can make. 
 
He said: “We spoke to a family who had bought Christmas presents and food before a storm flooded the ground floor of their house and damaged the food in their fridge. The appeal meant that they were still able to celebrate Christmas. We were happy we were able to help.” 
 
Once donations have been sorted and packed by a team of volunteers, Doug and Jean can start distributing them to people who need them. Last year, 52 families, 81 adults and 114 children were helped by the church in Diss while 89 hampers were also sent out. 
 
The appeal helps vulnerable children who are referred to The Salvation Army from social services, schools and support groups as well as struggling parents who contact The Salvation Army directly. 
 
Jean said she believes the appeal particularly resonates with school children. 
 
She explained: “The children understand that we wouldn’t be able to help if we didn’t have toys. The hampers also help to make the Christmas meal that bit more special. Last year, the schools came to get the presents. We’ll deliver to the families if there is no transport – some of the parents are near to tears.” 
 
Doug and Jean hailed the support they receive from a local business, the public, members of the Salvation Army in Diss and other local churches. 
 
He said: “Two local supermarkets have been very kind with donations of food and toys, and we also receive toys, tins and cash from our church family. I also sell copies f the War Cry in Diss Market Place so often receive donations this way.”   
 
If you’d like to donate to the appeal, you can do so here.  
 
Gift items - new toys and food items with good date on them - can be given in at the Salvation Army Charity Shop at The Salvation Army Hall in Sunnyside, Diss on a Wednesday and a Friday between 10am and 2pm.
 
You can read about the wider Toys and Tins Appeal here. 


Pictured above are volunteers sorting donations at the Salvation Army church in Diss. Image: The Salvation Army.
 
 
 
 

Eldred Willey, 06/12/2021

Eldred Willey
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