There's still time to contribute to the Swindon Christmas Toy Appeal.

The campaign, which runs until December 7, is organised by churches across the borough and aims to help families who would otherwise struggle to put presents under the tree for their children.

Toy Appeal co-ordinator at Gateway Church Dawn Prosser said: “There are many families who struggle at Christmas to buy presents and either can’t give any or resort to massive loans.

“Particularly now, a lot of people are in very difficult circumstances and I don’t think that situation is going to get any easier.”

She added: “For this year, and maybe even for next year, as the furlough schemes finishes, more and more people that normally wouldn’t struggle will begin to do so because they’ve been made redundant. So I think it’s more important than ever to help people who are less fortunate.”

Churches, businesses, schools, and organisations across Swindon are collecting donations of presents for children aged 0-16. Families will be nominated to receive presents by agencies including social services, parent support advisors in schools, health visitors and local charities.

Normally families are invited to come and choose their presents each year, but because of the Covid-19 pandemic a more detailed referral form including children’s ages, likes and dislikes will be passed to Dawn and her volunteers,to help them pick the presents for each child.

All current location points for donations and toy suggestions can be found on www.gatewaychurchswindon.org.uk and the Facebook page swindontoyappeal.

Alternatively, financial donations can be made for the first time this year via gatewaychurchswindon.churchsuite.co.uk/donate/