Giving those less fortunate something to cheer

Kind-hearted Oldhamers have pulled out all the stops to make sure Santa doesn’t miss anyone off his Christmas list.

Failsworth and Oldham Salvation Army Church has again co-ordinated the borough’s efforts for the organisation’s national toy appeal.

Donated toys and gifts are distributed to needy families named by the likes of social services, housing associations and refuges.

This year, the church is hoping to hand out over 650 festive toy and food surprises to grateful families and individuals. Supporters include generous patients at Oldham Chiropractic and Physiotherapy Clinic, in Yorkshire Street.

They donated gifts during the clinic’s day-long special, with staff working extra hard to offer a free treatment to anyone who gave a toy worth at least £10.

Local Salvation Army co-ordinator Captain Steve Oliver said: “I’d like to thank the public for their support again this year. We’ve had people coming in with toys, as well as a couple of workplaces getting involved, and I’d like to especially thank Oldham Chiropractic and Physiotherapy Clinic for their support yet again. I think people are mindful times are hard but that they are also worse for others.”