Salvation Army Christmas Toys Appeal

Major Andrew Vertigan, Commanding Officer, at York Salvation Army, spoke to York Rotary on the 6th February informing the club of the First Christmas Annual Toy Appeal, under his leadership. He was involved at Christmas 2024 before officially being appointed in January. He made a number of changes for Christmas 2025, to streamline much of the process leading up to a record amount of families and children, having gifts at Christmas.

In total, The Salvation Army provided record amounts of gifts for just over 500 families, 900 children, and in total 3500 gifts and presents, and Major Andrew showed appreciation for the donation of £1750 from our club. Usual Salvation Army volunteers were joined by additional people from the Community, totalling just over 25, to collect donated toys from schools, churches and local businesses, and  also purchased  by The Salvation Army, to sort, including both boys and girls in various age groups whose names had been received by referrals from local Social Workers, before they came to collect just prior to Christmas, to distribute to families. Toys and presents were all packed in Red plastic sacks and clearly labelled for each child to broaden the Christmas morning experience. A total of 12 Christmas Hampers were also given to families in particular need.

Major Andrew also gave some detail of how he is bringing two sides of the Salvation Army in York together. The SA Church and Homelessness Services, and rough sleepers care. 25 Hampers were handed out to rough sleepers in York over Christmas. Through donations and practical  help from local businesses, work is well underway to build a Boxing Club and fitness centre for daytime activities, and four overnight sleeping Nap Pads are being refurbished.

Major Andrew has offered to come and speak to the Club in the future  to update us on The Salvation Army work in York.

Dennis Adamson