Charities team up for annual Family Appeal

Pictured at the launch of the annual Salvation Army/SVP Christmas Toy Appeal are from left, Adrian Farrell, Meadows Centre manager, Captain Sue Whittle, Salvation Army, Miriam Loftus, SVP Portadown, president, and Margaret Mallon, SVP Portadown, vice president. INPT46-250.

Both charities are expecting to see a record number of families apply to the appeal due to financial difficulties.

Last year in Portadown, the appeal gave out gifts to around 300 children. Each child receives one large gift, two smaller gifts, a board game, a book and/or a cuddly toy.

Captain Sue Whitla says the aim of the appeal is to make sure no child goes without a gift on Christmas morning. She said, “We are grateful to the generosity and support of the public in Portadown because without that support there would be no Family Appeal.”

Miriam Loftus, president for St Vincent de Paul in Portadown, said, “The Family Appeal is a vital part of our yearly calendar and really helps us meet the needs of children and the family.”

Gift donations for children aged from newborn to 16 years can be made at The Salvation Army, Edward Street, on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 9.30-1 or the SVP Charity Shop, Garvaghy Road, Monday to Friday, 10am-3pm and Saturday 10am-1pm.

Gifts can also be left in Gordon’s Chemist, High Street Mall.

All gifts must be new and unwrapped, and the appeal would welcome donations for older boys and girls such as gift tokens, board games, selection boxes and toiletries.

Anyone eligible for support from the Family Appeal, should contact Captain Sue Whitla on 028 3822 7684 or Miriam Loftus on 028 3839 3898.