The Isle of Man Bank has once again teamed up with The Salvation Army to help provide Christmas presents for families in need.

Salvation Army Captain Simon Clampton said that the need for such a scheme, one of the first signs of the countdown to Christmas in the Isle of Man, was greater than ever.

Members of the public are asked to consider buying one extra present and take it, unwrapped, to any branch of Isle of Man Bank or to ‘Penny’, its mobile bank, before the end of November where it will be collected by Salvation Army volunteers. The toys will be distributed to children whose parents are unable to afford presents and who would otherwise not have anything to open on Christmas morning.

Bill Shimmins, Managing Director, Isle of Man Bank, commented:

‘We’ve assisted The Salvation Army with the Christmas Toys Appeal for eleven years and we’re always impressed by the generosity of local people in supporting it. I know it’s a scheme close to the hearts of many of our colleagues who donate gifts and are keen to do as much as possible to promote the scheme across our branch network.’

The names of families in need of help are referred to The Salvation Army via health and social care agencies. Last year about 450 toys were distributed at Christmas together with 1,900 gifts of food parcels and vouchers, the latter being supported by Shoprite.

Captain Simon Clampton said:

‘Essential bills such as fuel, clothing and food still need to be paid for and parents can feel torn between paying these bills and buying presents for their children. Thanks to the tremendous generosity of the Manx public, and working in partnership with Isle of Man Bank, The Salvation Army here on the Island will try to relieve some of the pressures on those in need and remind people of the real meaning of Christmas.’

He added: ‘While Christmas is the season we experience the greatest demand for help and assistance, it must not be overlooked that The Salvation Army provides help to the most vulnerable and needy people on the Island right throughout the year.

Compared with last year, so far in 2015 we have continued to see substantial numbers of requests for help for many of the basics in life.’

The scheme is formally launched on November 2nd and from that date all Isle of Man Bank branches and the mobile bank during its regular visits to local communities, will act as collection points for the unwrapped presents.