THE Press today launches its annual Toys & Tins Appeal to brighten up Christmas for York’s needy – in the wake of soaring demand for help.

We are urging readers to donate toys and tins of food so they can be given to less fortunate children and adults over the festive period.

Items will be distributed by the Independent Domestic Abuse Services (IDAS), formerly the York’s Women’s Aid Refuge, where women and their children go to recover from the trauma of domestic violence, and the Salvation Army, which provides food parcels and toys for people in need.

The Salvation Army’s commanding officer in York, Major Andrew Dunkinson, said it was being overwhelmed by the numbers of children being referred for toys and food by statutory agencies.

“Already, the numbers have increased by over 25 per cent, with 421 children being referred for toys and about 250 family food parcels and referrals still expected,” said Major Dunkinson, who has already launched the Army’s own Christmas Toy Appeal.

“It’s hard to believe that we are living in the 21st century. The increased numbers of people being referred to us is worrying. Increased fuel costs and general cost of living increases, cuts and changes in benefits, low salaries and benefit sanctions are just some of the contributing factors that are leaving those already struggling even more stretched.

“There’s no doubting these are challenging days, but I know that our community will pull together to ensure that no child referred to us is left without a gift and no family without food on Christmas Day. Together, we’ll make this a happy Christmas for those in most need.”

Refuge manager Lesley Ann McNulty said the premises would be full at Christmas, with ten mothers and 23 children, aged between nine months and 12 years, But donated items would also be given to those who had been living there previously but now lived in their own homes, and to those in the community who sought support for domestic abuse.

She said Christmas was a difficult time and all the presents received would make a big difference.

“We are always absolutely amazed by the amount of toys donated by readers every year,” she added.

• To donate to the appeal, simply drop unwrapped gifts at our reception in Walmgate between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday.