Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
Toy appeal is a Xmas cracker
Six hundred families benefit
Generous donors helped more than 1500 children across North Lanarkshire to have a happy Christmas by supporting a festive toy appeal led by the council.
Local authority staff, plus local residents and organisations, were encouraged to take part in the project, which benefited 600 families across the area.
It was originally started by community volunteer Martine Nolan, who this year approached depute council leader Paul Kelly and Voluntary Action North Lanarkshire for help in making the appeal “even bigger and better”.
She said: “It was wonderful to see so many smiles on children’s faces at the toy giveaway events, at what can be such a sad time of year for some.
“I’m very thankful to the council for their help in reaching out to more people and organisations and taking the appeal to another level.”
Councillor Kelly added: “We’re so thankful to the public for helping us to bring a little happiness to so many children across North Lanarkshire – the generosity shown by local people and organisations has demonstrated the true spirit of the season.”
Meanwhile, St Andrew’s Hospice was among the beneficiaries of a Christmas jumper day at the Civic Centre.
Councillors and managers donated a total of £250 after wearing their colourful winter woolies, with the proceeds being split between the Airdrie charity and Strathcarron Hospice.