Appeal for Christmas presents

BBC Newsline's Donna Traynor with two young people from Holy Family Primary School at the launch of the Family Appeal in Belfast

Two Northern Ireland charities have teamed up once again to help to make Christmas brighter for many children and families.

The Family Appeal is a joint initiative involving The Salvation Army and St Vincent de Paul with broadcast support from BBC Northern Ireland.
The 2008 appeal distributed gifts to almost 12,500 children across NI.
It is expected requests for help will remain high, reflecting the financial difficulties facing many families.
The 2009 Family Appeal was launched in Broadcasting House, Belfast at an event hosted by the BBC's Head of Corporate Affairs, Mark Adair and BBC Newsline's Donna Traynor.
Music was provided by Holy Family Primary School, Belfast.
"At this time of year we would ask everyone to buy an extra couple of gifts to donate," said Donna Traynor.
"It can really make the world of difference to so many families across Northern Ireland."
Major Alan Watters, Leader of The Salvation Army in Ireland, said donating a gift could make a real difference to a child's Christmas.
"Many of us will get more than we need or even wanted this Christmas, but sadly around one in four children in NI are living in poverty and without gifts from The Family Appeal, they would receive very little on Christmas morning.
"That's why The Family Appeal is so important - every gift donated really will make a difference."
Collection points
Aileen Coney, Regional Administrator of St Vincent de Paul, said the appeal was a practical way of making Christmas brighter for many families.
"We urge you to buy an extra gift and help The Salvation Army and St Vincent de Paul make Christmas special for thousands of local children," she said.
Gifts can be left before Wednesday 16 December, 2009 at any branch of The Salvation Army; Society of St Vincent de Paul; Tesco; Alliance & Leicester; First Trust Bank; Superdrug; Open & Direct; Ulster Property Sales and selected branches of Co-Op stores and Curves.
All gifts must be new, unwrapped and sustainable for children and young people from tiny tots to teenagers.
Family gifts of board games and tins of sweets are always welcome and teenagers always appreciate gift tokens, CDs and toiletries, the appeal organisers said.
If you feel you would be eligible for support from The Family Appeal contact your local social worker, health visitor or The Family Appeal office at 028 9024 0826 for guidance notes and an application form which must be returned by Wednesday 9 December, 2009.
Further information on The Family Appeal is available from the website: bbc.co.uk/ni/familyappeal or Ceefax page 178.