For several years the Anchor Lodge in Northallerton has supported the Salvation Army Christmas Toy Appeal by donating gifts for distribution to local families in need.

Brethren decided that rather than exchange Christmas Cards amongst Lodge Members, they would instead support this appeal.

Whilst realising that not all the Brethren were able to go out and purchase a toy themselves, a cash donation box is also provided at the collection point, and those donations are given along with the toys collected to the Salvation Army to enable them to purchase additional gifts for age groups where the number of requests has exceeded gifts donated so that no child or young person is left wanting.

On Monday 11th December the Worshipful Master W.Bro David Cowley, accompanied by the Lodge Almoner W.Bro Dave Sanders, visited the local Salvation Army Charity Shop in Thirsk and handed over the gifts collected by the lodge members, To Major's Ian and Paula Haylett, who gratefully received them on behalf of The Salvation Army.

Major Ian then went on to explain that requests from local families had increased again this year and that due to the current economic climate donations had been somewhat slower in coming in this year, but that the support was continuing and as always each donation was very gratefully received.

As donations to this annual appeal are now as much a part of the Anchor Lodge festive season as the Christmas Meal and Service of 9 Lessons and Carols, which was held on the 9th of December and attended by 63 brethren, families, and friends, it is fair to say that supporting the appeal is now embedded as an Anchor Lodge Tradition. And long may it continue.