With a little over eight weeks to Christmas Day, the team at the Hamilton Advertiser are working their socks off to gather in as many gifts and toys as possible for disadvantaged children across South Lanarkshire.
Working in conjunction with our friends at the Salvation Army Hamilton branch, it’s that time of year again when we politely ask for your help with our long-standing Christmas Toy Appeal campaign for families in need.
Last year we hit an all-time record high with donations gifted to literally hundreds of needy children across the region.
And this year we need your help more than ever before to be able to meet the requirements of South Lanarkshire Council’s social work services and the dozens of outside referrals we receive.
From now until mid-December we will be accepting brand new toys for girls and boys, pyjamas (all sizes), winter woolies, sports sets/games, baby clothes and gifts for children aged newborn to 12.
We also require items such as fragrance sets, make up, handbags, costume jewellery, footballs, clothes, Nerf and Lego sets (or equivalent) and gift cards for the older children aged 13 and up.
A week prior to Christmas we distribute a bag of goodies to each child on social work services lists, as well as deliver donations to families who are not in need of social work services but who are struggling and find themselves in need of a little help.
Advertiser reporter Leona Greenan, who coordinates the toy appeal each year, said: “The work we do from now until mid-December is absolutely vital to the hundreds of disadvantaged families across South Lanarkshire who rely on the generous donations of Advertiser readers to ease their worry each Christmas.
“Your donations really do make Christmas magical for so many children on our own doorsteps, who might otherwise get absolutely nothing, or indeed very little, on December 25.
“Our appeal ensures every child receives gifts galore from Santa Claus and we cannot thank you enough for your continued support each year.”
They can be dropped in to either of the town’s Starbucks coffee shops at Hamilton Retail Park or at Palace Grounds Retail Park or at Rocca Restaurant on Cadzow Street, Hamilton.
Items – including cash donations – can also be delivered to the Salvation Army on Burnblea Street, Hamilton, every Monday from 10am to 12pm.
Alternatively contact Leona on leona.greenan@reachplc.com to arrange collection or for further details about the appeal.
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