Samantha Cameron visits Elephant & Castle to wrap Christmas gifts

Mrs Cameron visited The Salvation Army's headquarters in Newington Causeway, sorting and wrapping gifts and also meeting volunteers who give up their time to ensure others have a better Christmas.

"I want to encourage as many people as possible to donate new gifts for children at their local Salvation Army branch," says Mrs Cameron.

"It can make all the difference to have something to unwrap on Christmas Day."

Captain Catherine Smith, church leader at Southwark Salvation Army in Princess Street, was thrilled to have Mrs Cameron come to visit.

"We feel privileged that Samantha took the time to help us and learn about the work of The Salvation Army in local communities at Christmas," said Captain Smith.

"We encourage people across the UK to donate gifts locally, as these presents are then distributed by The Salvation Army to those in the local area who might not get any presents at all at Christmas. Last year, more than 150,000 gifts were collected and distributed."

The Christmas Present Appeal runs until 18 December and making a donation is simple. Members of the public are invited to drop new, unwrapped gifts at their local Salvation Army, Superdrug store or at other drop-off points.

A team of volunteers then wrap the gifts and distribute them to referred children and families across the UK through The Salvation Army's own networks, local groups and social services.

Look out for the Christmas Present Appeal posters or visit www.salvationarmy.org.uk/christmaspresent to find out how to get involved.