The Oxford Mail is appealing for people to think of others this Christmas and drop off food, new toys and gifts for people less fortunate than themselves.

For the third year, we are holding a Christmas collection on behalf of the Salvation Army.

Mavis Knight, who organised the appeal, said: "We are all safe, we have a job and we are secure - so it is nice at Christmas to actually help those who are not as lucky as we are.

"When people do their shopping, if they can just pick up an extra couple of tins, that would be really appreciated."

This year the Salvation Army in Oxford will be mounting a three-pronged campaign to help local families in need.

The organisation needs to collect 1,000 Christmas presents for children for its Operation Christmas appeal.

The gifts will be distributed by Oxfordshire Social Services and other agencies which work with children in the city.

The appeal is unconnected to Operation Christmas Child, which collects and puts together shoeboxes of gifts to be sent to needy children around the world.

Two-hundred-and-fifty Christmas hampers are also being put together, again to be distributed to families in and around Oxford identified by social services.

And a Christmas Day party for elderly or homeless people, or those who would otherwise be spending Christmas Day alone, will be held at the Oxford Deaf and Hard of Hearing Centre in St Ebbe's.

Captain Mark Wolstenholme, of the Salvation Army, said: "It is a fantastic appeal and it makes a big difference to many people's lives on Christmas Day. If we can provide all the things for Christmas it is a huge help to those families who are struggling.

"It's a big job to do so we do need volunteers and donations to help us bring these things about."

Non-perishable food items, such as tins, and good-quality new gifts and toys for children aged from babies to teenagers can be dropped off at the Oxford Mail's offices in Osney Mead, Oxford, between 8am and 5.30pm, Monday to Friday, before Friday, December 14. Gifts can also be dropped off at St Michael at the North Gate Church, in Cornmarket Street, Oxford.

Anyone who would like to help the Salvation Army appeal further can call Capt Wolstenholme on 01865 771120.