Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
Santa’s helpers will have a busy time
The Advertiser’s toy appeal is getting into full swing – and our local Santa’s helpers are all set to distribute the donations across Monklands.
Volunteers from XACT, who also run the hugely popular festive sleigh tour, will once again be on hand to help.
The group will be linking up with Monklands women’s aid, Airdrie’s @ home centre, the St Vincent de Paul society and local nurseries, schools and community nurses to pass on the donations; while volunteers from humanitarian charity Spirit Aid will also be distributing items collected from our supermarket donation points.
XACT toy appeal co-ordinator Norbert Grant and treasurer Alan Hendry, along with Spirit Aid representatives Patrick Rolink and Graeme Johnston, were all in attendance at the launch of the 2018 appeal – along with one of the latter group’s celebrity supporters, River City actress Frances Thorburn.
Norbert told the Advertiser: “The toy appeal is a great project and we always enjoy being involved.
“Over the years we’ve built up links with organisations and have more referrals from organisations and schools for local families.”
Alan added: “The toy appeal has been growing and growing every year, when you look at the number of gifts donated – it’s something really special.
“We’re happy to help with the collection and distribution to get the toys to people for Christmas.”
Spirit Aid representative Patrick said: “Every year, the generosity of people from Airdrie and Coatbridge is phenomenal, not just in quantity, but in the quality of what’s given – it makes you proud to come from this area.
“People are delighted when we give them these toys, as it’s not just about their child getting something, but the most important thing is that they realise the people care.”
We are asking generous readers to donate new, unused gifts suitable for children and young people aged from birth to 16 years at the collection points at Asda in Coatbridge, Morrisons in Airdrie, and both towns’ branches of Tesco.
The fabulous supermarket staff are again giving their wholehearted backing to our sixth annual appeal, which has seen big-hearted Monklands residents made more than 7000 donations since 2013.
Gifts should be new and in their packaging, with items for older teens in particular being gratefully received; they can be handed in at the four local stores from now until Wednesday, December 12.