Charities appeal for Christmas gifts

Helping to launch the Family Appeal are BBC Newsline's Sarah Travers with Jamie Delaney and Chloe Campbell from Holy Family Primary School in Belfast

Two charities, backed by BBC NI, have teamed up again to try to make Christmas brighter for needy families.

In 2007 the Christmas Family Appeal, run by The Salvation Army and St Vincent de Paul, provided gifts to over 12,000 children.

The 2008 appeal was launched by BBC Northern Ireland controller Peter Johnston and Newsline's Sarah Travers.

"At this time of year, we would ask everyone to buy an extra couple of gifts to donate," said Sarah.

"It can really make the world of difference to so many families across Northern Ireland."

Major David Jackson, leader of The Salvation Army in Ireland, said donating a gift could make a real difference to a child's Christmas.

"Many of us will get more than we need or even want this Christmas, but sadly there are still many children and young people who, without gifts from The Family Appeal, will receive very little on Christmas morning," he said.

"Every gift donated really will make a difference."

Aileen Coney of St Vincent de Paul said it was a practical way of making Christmas brighter for many families.

"We urge you to buy an extra gift and help The Salvation Army and St Vincent de Paul make Christmas special for thousands of local children," she said.

Gifts can be left before Monday 15 December at any branch of The Salvation Army or St Vincent de Paul, Tesco, Asda, Alliance and Leicester, First Trust Bank, Open and Direct, Co-op Stores, Co-op Travel, Ulster Property Sales, Re/Max, Curves, Superdrug and anywhere you see the bright yellow Family Appeal posters.

All gifts must be new and unwrapped and sustainable for children and young people from tiny tots to teenagers.

Family gifts of board games and tins of sweets are always welcome and teenagers always appreciate gift tokens, CDs and toiletries.

If you feel you would be eligible for support from The Family Appeal contact your local social worker, health visitor or The Family Appeal office at 028 9031 5653 for guidance notes and an application form which must be returned by Wednesday 10 December.

Further information on the Christmas Family Appeal is available on the website bbc.co.uk/northernireland/familyappeal or on Ceefax, page 178.