Christmas
is a special time of the year in all families. Some families and individuals, however, find it hard to cope with everyday needs, let alone provide the extras that go with this time of the year. The Salvation Army in Staple Hill works in partnership with Social Services teams across South Gloucestershire to identify those most in need of a little boost. We are then able to prepare gift parcels for those under 18 years of age and food parcels for the whole family. Last year we managed to help over 2000 people in our locality! Absolutely amazing!
This year we are again launching our “Be A Star” Christmas Appeal, because EVERYONE can be a star this year and help those who need us.
You can find all the details on this page – and don’t worry – there’s something for everyone, even if you can just donate £5 to us, we can then ask the Salvation Army Elves to get something on your behalf.
New items only please – I’m not sure of any child in this day and age who would like to wake up on Christmas morning to second hand toys. More than that, it’s not necessary, we are all here to help make sure their childhood is memorable,
We also have an annual Sunday toy service and accept kind donations from a number of schools, churches, clubs and organisations,, which this year takes place on Sunday 14th December 2025. We never have enough gifts, but due to financial donations we are able to buy those we still require. This makes the world of difference to families, thank you.
If you’d rather donate financially, there are many ways you can do this:
- make a donation HERE
- pop into our centre on Broad Street with cash/ cheque or bring your card
- post a cheque to us – The Salvation Army, 21Broad Street, Bristol BS16 5LN
- cheques made payable to ‘The Salvation Army’
- donate when you see our band out and about
Thank you!
SOME IDEAS FOR GIFTS:
0-2 years
Shape sorters, interactive play mats, cot mobiles, mega blocks, dolls, cars, fabric/board books.
3-5 years
Imaginative play toys, cars, dolls, duplo sets, board games, jigsaws, crayon sets, playdough, books.
5-7 years
Lego & construction sets, board games, art & craft sets, jigsaws, books.
7-9 years
Lego & construction kits, magic kits, science kits, board games, art & craft sets, jigsaws, books.
10-13 years
Construction kits, science/magic kits, art/craft sets, board games, stationery, footballs, books.
14-18 years
Art, craft & stationery sets, nail varnish sets, hairdryers, jewellery boxes, jewellery, watches, board games, footballs, books, adult colouring books with pens/pencils, comfy throws.
Adults
Toiletry sets for men and women, jewellery boxes, jewellery, watches, adult colouring books
Please avoid:
– 2nd hand items
– Anything that needs batteries/wifi/phone/computer
– DVDs or CDs
– Anything that contains food
– Candles
You can download all of the leaflets as a PDF for printing by clicking on the relevant images on this page.
Why not ask your HR department at work if you could display a poster on your notice board? – we get fantastic support from local businesses every year, and every single penny, every single gift, makes a huge difference to someone’s Christmas.
Want to know a little more about the detail?, you can download our information leaflet here:
And then… really stuck for an idea? we’ve helped you out with some ideas that you can print out on this leaflet.
PLEASE REMEMBER OUR DEADLINE FOR HANDING IN YOUR GIFTS!
SUNDAY 14TH DECEMBER 2025
The “Christmas On The Hill” event in Staple Hill is a great focal point to remember the deadline, and that takes place in our High Street on Saturday 29th November 2025.
And please remember – NEW TOYS and GIFTS only please. We don’t really want to send second hand toys to our charity shops instead of handing them out to children at Christmas.
£ Donations are fine too – and we’ll do the shopping on your behalf.
SO, GO ON… WHATEVER YOUR AGE THIS YEAR…
