Tavistock local Isabel Williams along with the Salvation Army has organised a pre-loved toy ‘pop-up’ event for the beginning of December in order to help disadvantaged children.

The event will be held at Tavistock Library and the Mime Cafe and all proceeds will go to the children’s centre in Tavistock.

This will be the first time that the Salvation Army has organised such an event and it is asking for anyone with unwanted children’s toys in good condition to donate them.

The Salvation Army will also be giving out toy vouchers which can be exchanged for toys or monetary gifts.

Ms Williams said: ‘I have two children and their birthdays and Christmas are coming up. I decided to sort out all the old toys and I ended up with three bags of toys, some barely used.’

She decided she would donate them to those unable to buy toys for their children, having seen some of the poverty in the Tavistock area while she volunteered her time helping locals during the COVID lockdowns. She put out a Facebook message asking if anyone was need of toys.

‘I’m aware that people are struggling financially and I thought it would be really nice to make a difference. I’m aware some people are worried about how to put food on the table nevermind buying toys for Christmas,’ Ms Williams added.

Salvation Army Pamela Smith responded to Ms Williams’ message with the idea for the pop-up event.

Karen Pearce, service lead at the children’s centre, said: ‘We have been very fortunate to receive gifts, donations and fund raising support from the Salvation Army over many years and it is fantastic that they keep us in their thoughts and support our ongoing provision of services to families. I would like to thank the Salvation Army for their ongoing support for the centre especially during this difficult time and also thank the staff at the centre for their hard work supporting families.’