Enjoy the gift of giving

North Lanarkshire Council have launched an appeal for festive gifts for families struggling to afford presents.

They have teamed up with Voluntary Action North Lanarkshire and community groups to collect new and “as new”items suitable for youngers aged up from tots to teenagers.

Drop-off events have been arranged for Coatbridge in the next week taking place at the First Stop Shop in the Buchanan Centre on Tuesday and then at King’s Church on Jackson Street next Thursday, November 29, both from 9.30am to 4.15pm.

Items can also be handed in to the @home centre on Clark Street in Airdrie town centre on December 11 and 12; while gifts for teens – such as make-up, gift cards and video games – can also be handed in at branches of Semichem in both Monklands towns.

Council staff and members of the public are being asked to donate gifts including board games, soft toys, arts and crafts items or video games for youngsters aged up to 18. Gifts should be unwrapped and electrical items, batteryoperated goods and fidget spinners cannot be accepted for safety reasons.

The donated presents will be distributed to North Lanarkshire families who find the festive season challenging; and“giveaway”events will be organised at venues across the authority area next month.

Depute council leader Paul Kelly said:“When most people look forward to fun-filled days at Christmas, for others, the strain of the festive season can be a time of real pressure and hardship, with some families struggling to afford presents.

“We’re looking for help to spread the true spirit of Christmas with our gift appeal, following overwhelming support last year; please do what you can to help make our young people smile.”

See www.northlanarkshire.gov.uk/giftappeal for more details.

Toy appeal Depute council leader Paul Kelly