THE Gazette and Herald has once again joined forces with the Salvation Army in a bid to make Christmas extra special for needy families in the county.

Last year our readers gave hundreds of gifts that were passed on via the Salvation Army to parents who would not otherwise have been able to give their children something special for Christmas.

Mary Wolfe, captain of the Chippenham Corps co-ordinated the appeal. She said: "It was a huge success. The involvement of the Gazette really raised the profile of the appeal and meant we received far more presents than usual."

This year the Pass The Parcel campaign will be launched nationally on GMTV on Monday.

Salvation Army corps all over the country will be collecting toys and using Superdrug shops as drop-off points.

Both Devizes and Chippenham shops are involved and toys left at both premises will be collected by the Chippenham Corps and taken back to its citadel in the town for distribution nearer to Christmas.

Toys can also be left at Gazette offices in the Market Places of Devizes and Chippenham.

Capt Wolfe said she had already started to receive letters from needy families. One from a single mother of two young children in Calne asked for help and said: "Your generosity will help to make Christmas special for two little boys."

The Salvation Army works closely with Social Services and health visitors to make sure the presents go to the most needy families. The gifts are passed to the parents so they can give them to their children in the same way that other families are able to.

"This way the children do not know the presents have come from anyone except their parents unless they choose to tell them," said Capt Wolfe. "It makes a huge difference to the mums and dads to be able to give their children a new gift in the same way that everyone else does."

Capt Wolfe stressed that only new toys should be given for this appeal.

"On this occasion they really do need to be brand new things. We need gifts for babies up to teenagers but we usually find that it is the teenage things that we receive fewest of, especially things for teenage boys.

"We would ask people just to buy an extra gift when they are shopping for their own children, grandchildren or nephews and nieces."

It is also important that the gifts are not wrapped so she and other volunteers can make sure the most appropriate gifts go to the children they want to help.

This year Superdrug has become involved and Sue Bartholomew, who manages the Devizes branch, said: "I think this is a very worthwhile cause and it is great that the presents go to children in Wiltshire who really need them. I am sure our customers will give generously."

Capt Wolfe said that she is always amazed at the generosity of people. Last year many beautiful toys such as large dolls, skateboards and favourites such as Lego were received.

For those struggling to think of items suitable for teenage boys she suggestedhair gel, body sprays and sporting goods as well as cds, books and computer toys.

For girls in this age group cosmetics, toiletries and hair products are firm favourites.

"I am sure people will be generous again," said Capt Wolfe. "A small gesture like this makes a real difference to the lives of the people we are helping"