Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
A time for sharing
Please donate to our annual toy appeal
There are now just 39 sleeps until Christmas – and that rather sobering statistic means the Advertiser’s annual toy appeal is already well underway.
Big- hearted staff at Monklands supermarkets Morrisons, Asda and Tesco are already seeing donations roll in to their festive donation points for our fifth Christmas collection.
We are asking generous Airdrie and Coatbridge residents to ensure that this year is a merry Christmas for deserving local children by donating new, unused gifts for youngsters aged from babies up to 16 years.
Morrisons Airdrie people manager Annamarie Walker told how the considerate team at the town centre store is making an extra-special effort to ensure those at the upper end of the age range are well catered for this year.
She said: “We’re planning to have two trollies in the store, with one being for toys and another for vouchers, gift sets and items for teenagers.
“Last year we had so many toys, which was great, and we want to try and make sure we have the same amount for the older children too.
“I’m delighted to report we’ve already seen the first donations arriving at our collection point.”
Similarly, Asda Coatbridge community champion Ann Binks has experienced an enthusiastic response to this year’s appeal.
She explained: “We had two customers come in before the launch picture had even been in the Advertiser, asking where to donate!
“They handed in books and a doll; and we already have a few items piling up, especially a number of books in our collection trolley.”
Ann also highlighted the generosity of a fellow member of the Asda team. She said: “One of my colleagues handed me money this week to buy a gift for a teenager to give to the appeal, and our staff will contribute as the month goes on.”
Also taking donations once again for this year’s appeal is Tesco Coatbridge, whose community champion Elizabeth Wilkie told us: “Customers are always enthusiastic and more than generous to the Advetiser’s toy appeal.
“We want to be involved in any opportunities that helps benefit the community.”
Toy appeal donations can be handed in for the next four weeks – until Wednesday, December 13 – at the supermarket collection points set up at Asda in Coatbridge, Morrisons in Airdrie, and both towns’ branches of Tesco.