The Salvation Army has launched its annual Christmas Appeal to help provide presents and food to island residents in need.

Residents are being asked to consider buying an extra present and taking it, unwrapped, to any branch of Isle of Man Bank or to ’Penny’, the mobile bank, where it will be given to children who would otherwise not have anything to open on Christmas morning.

In addition, monetary donations will go towards food parcels, food vouchers and Boxing Day meals for those in need.

Captain Simon Clampton explained: ’Often at Christmas people who are just about managing find it more difficult because of the extra pressures that Christmas and winter brings.

’The appeal can make a big difference to someone’s life at a time where there are lots of extra pressures.

’The toys and food we donate is all down to the generosity of the Isle of Man public.’

The Salvation Army has run its Christmas Appeal for several decades.

Last year, some 1,212 food parcels and vouchers were handed out, 429 children received Christmas presents, and 53 people went to the Boxing Day meal at the citadel.

The names of families in need of help are referred to The Salvation Army through health and social care agencies.

Isle of Man Bank managing director Paul Smith said that some parents feel torn between paying essential bills and buying presents for their children.

’We’re extremely proud to support The Salvation Army with their Christmas Toys Appeal,’ he said.

’Over the last 12 years we’ve been overwhelmed by the generosity and kindness of our community.

’Our colleagues are proud to be part of such a wonderful scheme that reminds us all of the true meaning of Christmas.’

All Isle of Man Bank branches and Penny, will act as collection points for the unwrapped presents in November. The toys will then be wrapped up and then matched up with youngsters, who range from newborn babies to 18-year-olds.

They each receive a main present, stocking fillers and some sweets.

Simon described the operation as a ’big logistical task’.

Meanwhile, he explained that The Salvation Army holds its meal on Boxing Day so as not to be in competition with other charities and organisations that hold theirs on Christmas Day.

He explained that those who attend are often elderly or on their own.