KEIGHLEY Salvation Army has launched its annual toy appeal.

Up to 350 disadvantaged youngsters, who would otherwise receive no presents on Christmas Day, are expected to benefit.

Members of the public are now being asked to put their hands in their pockets and give generously to the appeal.

“The need from families for our support is as great as ever,” said Chris Bown, Keighley Salvation Army’s community development manager.

“We’ve run the appeal for many years now and the support from the town is always fantastic. People really put their hands in their pockets.

“We would ask the public to again do what it can to help.”

Donated toys must be new, and should be suitable for children and young people – boys and girls – up to the age of 16.

People are asked not to wrap them.

All the donated gifts will then be sorted, wrapped and distributed to families on Christmas Eve.

The appeal is once again being staged in conjunction with Sainsbury’s and the Telegraph & Argus’ sister paper The Keighley News.

Children are nominated by Keighley schools, family centres, and agencies dealing with issues such as domestic violence.

Toys can be taken to Sainsbury’s, in Cavendish Street, Keighley.

They may also be donated directly to the Salvation Army, in High Street, between 10am and 3pm Mondays to Thursdays.

The appeal launch took place at Sainsbury’s supermarket.

“The store has been a huge supporter over the years and we are extremely grateful,” said Mrs Bown.

Keighley Salvation Army and other charities working with needy people in the town are experiencing huge demand for their services.

The High Street church distributes about 30 food parcels a week – and sometimes more – to needy families and individuals who would otherwise have nothing to eat.

Each package contains goods such as pasta and tinned fruit, as well essentials including soap.

Keighley Salvation Army also recently opened a cafe at the church, selling home-cooked food and cakes to the public.

And it offers a hot-meal service on Tuesday evenings to people who have no means of cooking their own food.

Anyone wanting further information about the toy appeal can contact Mrs Bown on 01535 603494.