Kids without Christmas presents doubles - charity

The Salvation Army said hundreds of children were at risk of having nothing to open on Christmas Day

The Salvation Army is calling on people to donate to its Christmas Present Appeal after requests for support from struggling families doubled this year.

Last year, the Christian church and charity helped 194 children in Watford who would otherwise have gone without a gift on Christmas Day.

So far this year it has been asked to support 380 children.

In contrast, volunteers in Luton are wrapping and sorting about 1,500 presents donated for families who might also struggle to put food on the table this Christmas.

'Unprecedented'

Captain Mark Scoulding, who leads The Salvation Army in Watford, said donations had been coming in at a slower pace leaving hundreds of children with potentially nothing to open on 25 December.

He said: "This year we know many people who donated a gift last year will instead need our help this Christmas.

"The need is unprecedented but so far donations are falling short.

"We're urgently appealing to everyone - individuals, businesses and organisations - to help us meet this incredible demand.

"Christmas is a time for joy and giving and no child should feel forgotten."

Captain Scoulding said that with the support of the community they could ensure every one of the 380 children woke up to something special on Christmas morning.