Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
Help us make Xmas merrier
Support the Tiser toy appeal
There are only 53 sleeps until Christmas – and that means it is time for the launch of the fourth annual Advertiser toy appeal.
We are once again teaming up with the local branches of Tesco, Morrisons and Asda and with local charities Spirit Aid and Airdrie & Coatbridge Round Table to make it a very happy Christmas for deserving youngsters in Monklands.
Generous local residents are being asked to spread the festive spirit by donating new, unused gifts for children aged up to 16 from today until Wednesday, December 14.
Collection points are once again being set up at Morrisons in Airdrie, Asda in Coatbridge and the Tesco supermarkets in both towns. The toys will be collected and distributed by the hard-working volunteer elves from the two local good causes.
An amazing 1700 items were donated during last year’s campaign, contributing to a grand total of more than 4400 Christmas gifts handed over to youngsters across Monklands since the toy appeal began in 2013.
Morrisons manager Gary McEwan told the Advertiser: “The toy appeal is an absolutely brilliant thing and we hope this one can be the biggest and best so far.
“It was a tremendous success last year, as it’s been in the past. When it first started we didn’t expect it to get this big but the support from the community and the local charities is amazing.
“Our staff get right behind it and we’ll be having a fun day as part of it all. It’s great to think that it makes a difference to so many kids when they wake up on Christmas morning.”
Tesco’s Elizabeth Wilkie said: “Customers are always more than generous. Some people even come from outside the area to make donations and people’s generosity is overwhelming.
“We want to be involved in any opportunities for our colleagues to help the community and give something back.”
Asda’s Ann Binks said: “We’re absolutely delighted to be taking part in the toy appeal again this year. It’s a great part of the run-up to Christmas.
“Last year’s was a great success and people are great with their donations so we’re really looking forward to taking part again.”
Gifts can be donated for boys and girls ranging in age from newborn to teens. The only requirement is that they are new and in their packaging.
As well as toys for younger children, gifts for older teens such as make-up, footballs, books and vouchers are also gratefully received and are distributed by the Round Table and Spirit Aid teams.