A WINTER appeal has been launched to bring festive cheer to people in Malmesbury. 

HEALS of Malmesbury is planning to organise a Christmas community lunch for 100 people, two pantomime trips and a huge Santa run delivering presents to 200 children.

The social welfare charity has officially launched its appeal - which goes live for one week from 12pm today, Tuesday, December 3 to 12pm on Tuesday, December 10.

Every pound donated through The Big Give Christmas Challenge online platform will be doubled, thanks to the generosity of local businesses and the Wiltshire Match Fund. 

The charity also provides extra support for those in need, through its hardship fund.

"I hope that residents will continue to stand with us"

HEALS chair of trustees and councillor Gavin Grant said: "The community has always stood with HEALS to make a massive difference to local people and families.  

“With demand for our services rising and the pressure on HEALS growing, especially around Christmas time, I hope that residents will continue to stand with us, either by having their donation doubled or buying a present for a child for the Giving Tree.”

To donate, visit at www.healsmalmesbury.org.uk or donate directly at tinyurl.com/28jnxzf6

The HEALS kitchen team preparing the community lunch (Image: HEALS of Malmesbury) Present wrapping for the Santa run (Image: HEALS of Malmesbury)

Another way to help the appeal is by buying a present from the giving tree at The Old Bell Hotel in Malmesbury. 

Guests, staff and residents are invited to pick a label from the giving tree, buy a gift for a child and return it unwrapped with the label to the reception desk.  

The giving tree is accepting gifts until 12pm on December 13. 

All donated gifts will be collected for a mass Christmas present wrapping session at Malmesbury Town Hall on December 16.

To join HEALS wrapping the kindly donated gifts on December 16 or to get involved with other activities please email volunteer@healsmalmesbury.org.uk