HOW YOU CAN HELP

With one in three children in Scotland affected by hardship this year, many struggling families face a bleak Christmas.

Whether it’s donating toys to a local appeal or giving cash to charities tackling child poverty, there are lots of things you can do to help spread festive cheer.

Here are some of the many community groups, national charities and local appeals seeking your help.

STAY CONNECTED CHRISTMAS TOY APPEAL

The Coatbridge community group are collecting toys and gift vouchers for disadvantaged kids aged 0-18 in Monklands. Donations can be handed in to St Augustine’s Parish Centre. AIRDRIE & COATBRIDGE ADVERTISER TOY APPEAL New Christmas gifts for kids from birth to 16 can be handed in to the Morrisons and Tesco in Airdrie and at Asda in Coatbridge until December 13.

SPIRIT AID CHRISTMAS TOY & FOOD HAMPER APPEAL 2020

People can donate on line and every penny raised will be spent on food and toys for children who otherwise might not get a visit from Santa. To donate go to www. justgiving.com/campaign/ spiritaidappeal2020

DUMFRIES & GALLOWAY STANDARD TOY APPEAL

The paper’s annual appeal is open until December 14, with donations of toys, sweet treats and gift vouchers going to disadvantaged children in Dumfriesshire. They are currently really short of gifts for girls aged from three to 11. Toys can be dropped off at Morrisons, Marks & Spencer and the Nationwide Building Society in Dumfries, Tesco Extra at Cuckoo Bridge and Tesco at the Peel Centre, which have designated collection points.