LISKEARD’S Salvation Army branch is asking Cornish Times readers to support its annual Christmas Present Appeal.

It is asking for donations of new unwrapped toys and gifts which will be given to children who might not otherwise receive a Christmas present. Note that volunteers are unable to take used or second-hand items for the appeal.

Suggested gifts include:

1. Three years and under: dolls, teddy bears, cot mobiles, baby clothes, bath toys, CDs of suitable music and nursery rhymes, and puzzles.

2. Three to five years: dolls and action figures, cars, lorries, DVDs and CDs (music and nursery rhymes), colouring sets, pencils, crayons, books, and puzzles.

3. Five to nine years: educational games and toys, stationery (colouring sets, pencils, crayons, school sets), CDs and family friendly DVDs, books, puzzles, wordsearch, and crosswords.

4. Nine to 12 years: games and toys, stationery, DVDs, books, T-shirts, hair accessories, gloves, scarves, and hats.

5. 13-16 years: books, make-up and toiletries (please try to ensure non-allergic ingredients if possible), gloves, scarves, hats, T-shirts, hair accessories and gift vouchers.

The gifts will be rewrapped and distributed to those in need by the Salvation Army.

Over the years millions of children and young people have benefited from the appeal and it can make a real difference to their Christmas.

Donations can be taken up until mid- December to the Liskeard Salvation Army charity shop on Church Street, which is open Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 10am to 4pm, and on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 10am to 1pm.

Alternatively, the Salvation Army Church itself is open on Sundays at 17-19 Church Street, Liskeard, and other churches can also be found in Plymouth, St Austell and Launceston.