THE fantastic work that foster carers such as John and David Standen, Saint Andrew's Church, Stratton, have been doing with the social services is a reminder of what some children in this country have to live through in the early years of their lives. This year many children will spend Christmas away from their families through difficult circumstances.

At Saint Andrew's we want to remember those children and this year there will be a collection box at the back of the Church between November 23 and December 6. In this box anyone is welcome to drop simple unwrapped toys which will be then be distributed to needy children and their families in the local area through the Salvation Army's own networks, health visitors and social services. The nearest Salvation Army centre is Liskeard. Please note.

l The Salvation Army is looking for new toys.

l Second hand toys may be considered if they look new and still carry an adequate label for health and safety.

l This is about remembering less fortunate children not about buying expensive toys, keep it simple.

l Food is not appropriate for this campaign.

• If you know people or local businesses keen to donate toys please pass the information.

l The collection box will be emptied every evening during the collection period. Toys will be locked away.

Some ideas for your shopping list:

0-3 years: soft toys, educational toys - colourful and fun, cot mobiles etc, items of clothing (baby grows etc), bath toys, CDs with suitable music and nursery rhymes.

3-5: toys - dolls, cars, lorries, soft toys (suitable for boys and girls); educational games and toys (colourful and fun), books, CDs (music and nursery rhymes) DVDs and videos suitable for that age group, colouring sets, pencils, crayons, books, jigsaw puzzles

5-9: toys, educational games and toys, stationery (colouring sets, pencils, crayons, school sets) CDs and family friendly DVDs and videos, books, jigsaw puzzles, wordsearches, crosswords,

9-12: suitable games and toys, stationery, CDs, DVDs and videos, books, items of clothing including tee-shirts, hair ornaments (for girls!), gloves, scarves, hats.

13-17: CDs, DVDs and videos, books, toiletries (please try to ensure non-allergic ingredients if possible), gloves, scarves, hats.

Many thanks for your support. Let us hope we can help some children and parents have a better Christmas.