WILKO in Chippenham are once again getting in the festive spirit by supporting this year’s Salvation Army Christmas Toy Appeal.

The annual appeal, which supported 218 underprivileged families provide toys for their children in 2015, was launched last week in conjunction with the Gazette and Herald.

DIY store Wilko on the High Street are supporting the appeal and acting as one of several drop-off points, with a box near to the helpdesk inside being used to leave toys.

“We’re starting to fill up and we’ve had a couple of big boxes already with a mix of toys,” said store manager Chris Harbury.

It’s vital, it’s part of growing up and you don’t want the children missing out on that sort of thing

It’s not the value of the presents it’s the opening of the presents and experience.

Last year was a great year for us, we collected six cages worth of toys and the public and the team in the store really do get involved.”

The appeal will take place until December 9, with drop-off points also including estate agents Goodman Warren Beck in Market Place, while there are drop-off points in Devizes including Wilko’s in the High Street and solicitors Awdry Bailey and Douglas, in St John’s Street.

New gifts, not second-hand ones and unwrapped, can be dropped off at the designated areas and then the Salvation Army will distribute them to families who would otherwise struggle to give their children toys.

Drop-off points:

Chippenham

Wilko, High Street

Goodman Warren Beck, Market Place

Devizes

Wilko, High Street

Awdry Bailey and Douglas, St John’s Street