THE County Gazette is helping ensure hundreds children from the Taunton area who might not otherwise receive a gift this Christmas will wake up to presents on Christmas Day - and you can do your bit.

Taunton Salvation Army is encouraging people to add an extra toy or two to their shopping list this year so that families struggling to buy a gift for their children can ensure there is a surprise under the tree this year.

People are also being urged to make up a food hamper to help those in need and the Gazette is backing the bid.

Lieutenant Theresa Torr, of the Taunton Salvation Army, said the appeal had already had a good response.

“Already we’ve had a phenomenal amount of requests from the children’s services and other organisations looking for presents for children,” she said.

“This is my first year ordained and I want to help as many children as possible.

“At Christmas, when many are enjoying the celebrations on offer, others are struggling to make ends meet.

“Each year, in addition to the work carried out in the community, The Salvation Army runs a Christmas Present Appeal to ensure no child goes without a gift at Christmas.

“We’re grateful for the support from our community, who selflessly donate toys each year.”

Last year, more than 2,000 toys were donated across the area and the Salvation Army is hoping to beat that this year.

Theresa added: “We like to give the children two or three toys each so we’re hoping that lots of people will help our appeal.

“We also make food hampers up so we would welcome items such as soup, tinned fruit, tinned meats, sugar, tea, coffee, pasta, sauces and biscuits or chocolates.”

People are invited to drop a new unused toy for a child aged 0 to 16-years-old to Superdrug in Taunton, the store in Wellington, or the County Gazette offices in St James Street from now until December 11.

A team of volunteers will wrap the gifts, which will be distributed to children and families in the area.

The Christmas gifts can include anything from soft and educational toys for the very youngest child, to games, toys and accessories for older children