The new leaders of the island’s Salvation Army are getting set for the festive season.

Husband and wife Dylan and Rachel Nieuwoudt, the new commanding officers of the charity, have been busy with the Christmas Present Appeal and other preparations to ensure those struggling will not be left out this Christmas.

The annual appeal, which is in partnership with the Isle of Man Bank, began this November and will see hundreds of donated toys being gifted to children, including babies and teenagers.

Rachel said: ’We will also be doing food hampers and supermarket vouchers so families will get food and toys this Christmas.

’Families are referred to us by different agencies in the Isle of Man, which are struggling or living in poverty. We’re given the child’s age and gender and we pick and wrap the gifts which go to the family by those who referred them.’

As part of the appeal, the public will be able to donate new, unwrapped gifts and non-perishable food by dropping them off in any branch of the Isle of Man Bank.

Gifts can include anything from soft and educational toys for the very youngest child, to games, toys and accessories for older children and young adults. The Christmas Appeal closes tomorrow (Friday).

’There will also be a meal on Boxing Day for anyone that’s homeless or lonely who wants company because they have no one around at Christmas,’ Rachel added.

’There will be transport for people to come in where they will be cared for. It’s a bit of a day for them.’ The meal will start at 11am to 3pm and will be held at Fairfield School, Tynwald Street, Douglas.

The Nieuwoudts, who have been married for 13 years, moved to the island in the middle of July.

Their last posting was in Rhyl, North Wales, where through their church, they helped bring life to the struggling seaside town, such as starting a toddler group from scratch and introducing a community lunch for lonely, disadvantaged and vulnerable people.

Bringing their skills and experience to the island, they are ensuring that donations to the Salvation Army from the Manx public continue to support the community.

This includes paying for fuel deposits, electrical goods, school uniforms, as well as financing luncheon clubs that are run on a weekly basis and Come and Meet Each Other (CAMEO) sessions for older residents. Throughout Christmas they will also be carrying out church services.

’It keeps us very busy,’ Rachel added.