MAY we pass on our very sincere appreciation through the pages of the Gazette to all those very kind and generous townsfolk who have so readily supported our work at the Salvation Army in Grays.

The continuous stream of donations into our charity shop of good quality items, the donations of tinned food from various junior schools and the Thurrock Sai group, the clothing which we’ve been able to pass on to some of those sleeping rough, cash donations from people while shopping in Morrisons, Asda, Tesco and Sainsburys during the past 12 months and the support offered by a team of church members and volunteers has all been tremendously appreciated by us all.

In these difficult times of recession, when everyone seems to be asking for cash from the same purses, I know it can be tough to help good causes.

But we at the Salvation Army say thanks and God bless you all – keep trusting us to use your donations wisely. – H L EVANS, Major and associate minister, The Salvation Army Grays branch, Clarence Road.