The Salvation Army is appealing for generous Christians across the country to donate as many new toys and gifts as they can for underprivileged children as it announced that hundreds of needy children may miss out this Christmas because the Salvation Army Christmas Present Appeal remains desperately short of toys.

The Church and charity has partnered with ASDA stores nationwide to collect thousands of new toys and gifts for babies and children up to the age of 16 by Sunday 17 December.

But now many children may have to go without as the appeal has so far received less than half the number of toys needed to distribute in local communities across the UK.

The Salvation Army said it may have to make up for the shortfall by diverting money from community funds already earmarked for food parcels, Christmas day and community lunches, and general emergencies.

"Some toys have already been collected for the Christmas Present Appeal, for which we're so grateful, but we need the public to keep giving," says Lieut-Col Royston Bartlett, Secretary for Communications at The Salvation Army.

"Each year an increasing number of families need the support of The Salvation Army at Christmas time and we don't want to disappoint local youngsters who run the risk of missing out at this on this special time of year."

He added: "When you buy presents for your loved ones and friends, please buy one more for our appeal and please don't forget the teenagers, particularly boys, who sometimes tend to get left out of such appeals."

The Salvation Army runs its Christmas Present Appeal each year and this year it enjoys the generous help of almost 300 ASDA stores across the country. Last year alone, The Salvation Army distributed £1m-worth of toys to children.

For the Christmas Present Appeal the public are asked to take a new unwrapped toy for a child aged 0 to 16 years to their nearest Salvation Army centre or ASDA store. The Salvation Army then collects the unwrapped toys and distributes them to referred families via its own networks, as well as health visitors, other charity groups and social services. The Salvation Army can also receive cash and cheques in order to purchase new toys.

In parts of the country where there is no local ASDA the Christmas Present Appeal is being run in conjunction with other local businesses. Donations can also be made directly to your local Salvation Army centre and all donations will be gratefully received.

If your local ASDA is not running a Salvation Army appeal, or if there is no ASDA in your area, please donate directly to The Salvation Army.

For details of your nearest Salvation Army centre or ASDA store please visit www.salvationarmy.org.uk/christmaspresent or contact 0207 367 4705