Ilford’s baby bank is calling for donations in time for Christmas.

The centre in Clements Road, Ilford is asking for cash and present donations to give children in the borough gifts during the holiday season.

Every year the baby bank holds a Christmas party for the families and children it supports with Christmas craft activities, singing carols and a visit from Father Christmas.

As the families leave the party, they are given a bag of presents for each of the children as well as wrapping paper.

Captain Naomi Clifton, of Ilford’s Salvation Army, said: “The school holidays bring extra expenses for families on a limited income as their school age children won’t receive the free school meals that really help make ends meet.

“So-called ‘holiday hunger’ can make the Christmas holidays a really pressured time for families we support through the Baby Bank.

“The party is a wonderful time of making Christmas memories for families

who will not have much spare cash to spend on treats over the Christmas

period.”

The centre is in urgent need of presents suitable for children aged 0-16 by Tuesday, December 4 in time for the Christmas party the following weekend.

Last year the centre handed out more than 120 presents to the children it supports through the baby bank and are expecting to deliver more than 100 again this year.

To donate, please deliver any presents or donations to the Ilford Salvation Army Corps’ base in Clements Road, Ilford or to give money, click here.