Share the joy this Christmas

The last couple of years have been especially tough on the most vulnerable in our community, so let's take advantage of this great opportunity to spread some Christmas cheer!

We have worked closely with Major Vivienne Prescott about how we can best support the Salvation Army again this year, and now with a hybrid approach, we can either buy online for direct delivery or purchase ourselves and drop off our gifts in the box in reception at Rivers Meet. Please note that all items will need to be brand new and unwrapped.

The Salvation Army have created a wish list on Amazon, where you can purchase a gift from your Amazon account, which will be delivered directly to the Forest of Dean branch.

If you’re looking to buy a present to drop off, here’s a few ideas on what you could get:

• 0-3 years: dolls, teddy bears, cot mobiles, baby clothes, bath toys, CDs of suitable music and nursery rhymes, puzzles.

• 3-5 years: dolls and action figures, cars, DVDs and CDs (music and nursery rhymes), colouring sets, pencils, crayons, books, puzzles.

• 5-9 years: educational games and toys, stationery (colouring sets, pencils, crayons, school sets), CDs and family-friendly DVDs, books, puzzles, wordsearch, crosswords.

• 9-12 years: games and toys, stationery, DVDs, books, t-shirts, hair accessories, gloves, scarves, hats.

• 13-16 years: books, make-up and toiletries (please try to ensure non-allergic ingredients if possible), gloves, scarves, hats, t-shirts, hair accessories and gift vouchers.

Gifts for expectant mums giving birth around Christmas: baby clothes, blankets, towels, nappies, hats, bootees, scratch mitts, rattles, dummies etc. - preferably unisex.