THE Journal is making a final appeal for gifts for men as this year's Christmas gift appeal draws to a close.

For more than 30 years you, our readers, spread some Christmas cheer throughout the city by donating gifts to our present appeal, which are given to charities to redistribute among those who would otherwise go without.

Once again we have been inundated with gifts, especially those for children, so much so that some of our charities will be unable to take them all.

But there is still a shortfall in presents for men, or older male teenagers, including toiletries, food, warm clothes, books or anything else you think would bring a smile to someone's face.

All it takes is for readers to choose an extra gift when doing their Christmas shopping, wrap it and attach a label saying if it is for a boy or man and giving a rough age of the person it is meant for. Feel free to attach a greetings card.

Many charities and organisations have handed out the presents in the past, including Salisbury Trust for the Homeless, the women’s refuge, Alabaré Christian Care and Morning Star, a charity that provides food and support for homeless people.

Other presents are distributed at Christmas lunches for the elderly and infirm, vulnerable people in supported living and the children’s unit at Salisbury District Hospital.

Last year’s Salisbury Journal Christmas gift appeal was the biggest yet, and this year we want it to be even better.

Gifts can be brought in to the Journal office in Rollestone Street and left at our Christmas drop-off point in reception.

The final date for drop-off will be Wednesday, December 12.

Journal publisher Bill Browne said: “We ask you all to think of gifts for all ages so that we can bring a little joy to those who usually miss out at this time of the year. For some, this gift will be the only present they receive this Christmas and it lets them know that somebody cares enough to spread some festive happiness.”