A HIGH-STREET toy shop has partnered up with The Salvation Army in Birkenhead for its 'Big Toy Appeal' this Christmas.
The Big Toy Appeal, which runs until Saturday, December 8, is calling on shoppers at The Entertainer's store at the Pyramids Shopping Centre to buy an extra toy and donate it so that children across Birkenhead has a gift to open on Christmas day.
Customers can also buy a gift online from The Entertainer's website, with gifts set to be distributed through the Birkenhead Salvation Army on Vincent Street to families who may not be able to afford to put a Christmas present under the tree for their children.
Leader of the Birkenhead Salvation Army church major Jonathan Hamilton told the Globe: “We help lots of struggling families in and around Birkenhead throughout the year but Christmas can be an especially difficult time for many of them.
"Thanks to the public’s amazing generosity The Salvation Army in Birkenhead, in partnership with the charity Neo Community, is able to provide gifts for more than 3,000 local children every year who need them most.
“We’re so grateful to have The Entertainer partnering with The Salvation Army to help make it easier for people to buy and donate a toy in-store which they will then match.
"It will make such a huge difference to the amount of gifts we’ll be able to distribute to families in need this festive season.”
At the end of the appeal, The Entertainer will double the amount of presents that have been donated.
Founder and executive chairman of The Entertainer Gary Grant said: “It’s heart-breaking to think of so many children across the UK who won’t experience the magic of waking up to find a present waiting for them.
"Also, to think of their parents who will miss out on watching their face light up as they open it.
"That’s why we’re encouraging our customers to consider buying an extra present during their Christmas shopping to donate to a family in need via The Salvation Army.
"This will then be matched by The Entertainer allowing us to work together to transform Christmas for families who are really struggling across the country.”
To buy a present online or for more information visit www.TheToyShop.com
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