ITS time to get into the festive spirit of generosity as the Salvation Army launches it’s annual Christmas Present Appeal for underprivileged children.

Although Christmas is a time for giving, there are many children across the UK who will not have the joy of waking up to presents under the tree on Christmas Day.

You can make this a magical Christmas for children who may not otherwise receive a present by supporting your Christmas Present Appeal by donating new, unwrapped toys and gifts.

Last year The Wiltshire Times and Gazette and Herald teamed up with the Salvation Army to become a gift drop off point and helped make thousands of children’s’ Christmas dreams come true.

This year there are many drop off points around West Wiltshire where you can leave your donation including the Salvation Army hall in Castle Street, Trowbridge, the central office in the Shires Shopping Centre, Tesco Extra in Trowbridge, Morrisons in Warminster and from November 26, Morrisons in Westbury.

New and unwrapped toys for children of all ages can be donated, including anything from baby clothes, cot mobiles, dolls, teddy bears and nursery rhyme CDs to books, games, action figures, puzzles, make-up and toiletries.

The gifts will then be wrapped and distributed to those in need around the UK.

John Hauselman, charity coordinator for the Salvation Arm’s Christmas Present Appeal said: “Your generosity will again be appreciated.

“Last Christmas, you the readers of this newspaper were more than generous in donating toys that were distributed to families in need.

“Through your kindness we were able to meet all the requests that were received.

“Toys and gifts will be given to a wide age range, from new born to upper teens, so all children are included.

“Just one further request, new toys only please. This may sound rather harsh bearing in mind that pre-loved toys may be in great condition, but we must stand by this.

"We believe every child deserves a new gift at Christmas so we are unable to take used or second hand items for the Christmas Present Appeal.

“Over the years, millions of children and young people have benefited from gifts donated to The Salvation Army.

“By giving a gift to our Christmas Present Appeal you can make a real difference in someone’s life at Christmas.”

To find your nearest drop off point online, and for more information on what toys and gifts can be donated to those in need, please visit www.salvationarmy.org.uk/christmas-present-appeal