Help us ensure needy local youngsters have a happy Christmas too

Nov 19 2008 by Lynda Nicol, East Kilbride News

THE countdown is on till Christmas and with it the launch of this year’s East Kilbride News Toy Appeal.

As in past years, the aim of our appeal, with the help of generous readers, is to collect toys, selection boxes, books and games.

These will be made up into parcels and delivered to needy children, throughout the East Kilbride area, who might otherwise face a bleak Christmas due to dire family circumstances.

Last year 240 local children, 111 boys and 129 girls aged from babies to teenagers, benefited from the appeal.

This year, with the Credit Crunch creating havoc with many families’ budgets, we expect to play Santa to even more.

For more than a decade, readers of the East Kilbride News have amazed us and our co-sponsors, Women’s Aid and Christian charity Omega, with their superb generosity towards the appeal.

Thousands of pounds in cash, goodies and toys have been handed into our offices in the town centre, ranging from small donations from pocket money and pensions to piles of toys and play items and cheques collected by schools, churches, community groups, businesses and organisations from throughout the whole of the district.

We are grateful for all the help we receive.

Over the years, the appeal has also attracted dozens of regular donors who have pledged their continuing support.

Last year long-time appeal supporters Hugh Young and his band of merry helpers once again held a Christmas disco and fundraiser in the Village in aid of the appeal. The event raised a fantastic £1670.

This year, although he will still be working hard to help out, Hugh is handing over the reins of the fundraising venture to friend Allan Duke.

Tickets are now available for the event which will this year take place from 7.30pm till 12.30pm on Saturday, December 13.

Allan and his team are currently busy collecting prizes for a raffle on the night and we would appeal to local companies and groups to be generous when he approaches you. For all the money raised will go into the toy appeal.

Anyone able and willing to offer raffle prizes or sponsorship can contact Allan on 07739 405 723 or by e-mail at allanjockduke@hotmail.com

Allan is also taking orders for tickets, priced £4 each, for the fundraiser – but be warned, they sell out fast.

Orders for tickets can also be placed at the News office.

Canberra Primary School is also one of our staunchest supporters.

Pupils, staff and parents there have been absolutely wonderful over many years, raising thousands of pounds for the toy appeal through a range of excellent ventures.

They, too, will be starting this year’s events soon – further details next week.

Recent years have also seen the appeal receive increased practical help in getting the toys to the children, not least from local taxi drivers.

For all of this generosity and support we are most grateful.

And we are sure this year’s toy appeal will receive the same response as in the past.

What we ask is that toys or other donated items are new, as children who will benefit from the appeal do have the same hopes and expectations as children in any other family.

All of the donations can be handed into the East Kilbride News, 2 Olympia Arcade, Town Centre.

Our office is open Monday to Friday, from 9am until 5pm, with a break at lunchtime.

The News can be contacted on 01355 265000 for more information on how to support the Christmas toy appeal or if you know a family you think should benefit.

The appeal can also be contacted through e-mail at lnicol@s-un.co.uk. Names must be submitted by Friday, December 12, to ensure inclusion in this year’s appeal.