June

CHRISTMAS C

FUNDRAISING

MOLD Charity shop manager Carol Owen – who greatly dislikes dressing up – decided to ‘elf herself’ for the month of December to raise funds for the corps. Coffee shop and charity shop customers sponsored her, and corps officer Major Doug Hayter lent moral support. – MH

CHRISTMAS

TEDDINGTON Sixty children were welcomed with their families to a community Nativity and petting zoo event hosted with a nearby Baptist church. The Nativity play included live animals, craft activities, carol singing with the band and refreshments. Corps officer Lieutenant Joel Watson spoke about how Jesus is the greatest gift of all. – EW

BOURNE Morning worship took the form of a toy service, during which the congregation brought gifts for the corps appeal, which were distributed to children in need for Christmas. – CG LEEK A Christmas coffee morning raised more than £700. Refreshments were served alongside stalls selling gifts, cakes, crafts and toys. The event provided a wonderful opportunity to connect with people who had never been to the corps before or who had not been for a long time. – RJ

CHRISTMAS C

MORECAMBE In partnership with a Body Shop consultant, the corps hosted a party to provide gifts specifically for older girls as part of the toy appeal. The evening was supported by people attending in person as well as those ordering and contributing online. The proceeds, plus the donation of the consultant’s personal commission, funded gifts. Major Carole Richards is pictured receiving 37 boxes of gifts on behalf of the corps. – TC

Stapleford's Nicely Saved charity shop presents a Christmas window display designed by manager Pam Banton MALTON Saint Mary’s Roman Catholic primary school donated a vast number of toys to the Be a Star Christmas appeal, which were added to those donated by the community. The gifts were delivered to children in the town and surrounding villages. Pictured with the schoolchildren are corps officers Captain Emily and Lieutenant Dean Brill. – DB

RUTHERGLEN Storm Barra did not dampen the enthusiasm of the young people at Jam club when the band visited for the evening. With light sticks, hot chocolate and percussion instruments, the children and parents enjoyed an informal evening celebrating the real message of Christmas. – CW