As the start of November approaches and hearts and thoughts turn towards Christmas, The Salvation Army is making final preparations for the launch of its annual national toy appeal.
This year The Salvation Army has teamed up with ASDA and Help the Aged as they appeal to good-hearted people across the country to collect toys and gifts for children and young people.
For the Help the Aged, meanwhile, gifts will be gathered specifically for the elderly.
Thousands upon thousands of gifts for children and families who have little or nothing to give one another on Christmas morning will be collected and distributed at Salvation Army corps (churches).
The Salvation Army has had huge success with its Pass the Parcel appeal which was supported by ITV's This Morning programme in association with Superdrug.
"Millions of pounds worth of gifts have been collected over the years, for which we say a huge 'thank you' to This Morning viewers and Superdrug shoppers," says Lieut-Colonel Royston Bartlett, The Salvation Army's Secretary for Communications.
"However, after seven successful years, the programme has decided to do something different at Christmas which does not include Pass the Parcel and so we have looked to a new partner for the 2006 Christmas appeal.
"We are looking forward to working with ASDA stores and staff in the run-up to Christmas and we are very grateful that ASDA has chosen The Salvation Army to receive toys and gifts that are donated in stores during the appeal."
The Christmas Present appeal will run from 1 November to 17 December.
