Families to get festive boost from city toy bank
CASH-STRAPPED families will receive a festive boost this year thanks to a toy bank which has been set up to help those struggling over the Christmas period.
The Community and Beyond Toy Bank have officially launched their 2017 collection and they are calling on members of the public to donate brand new toys to help struggling families in the city.
John Beattie, from Govan, started the collection three years ago and has been overwhelmed by the impact it has had. He said: “When you do these collections, it really opens your eyes. I grew up Govan and I know what poverty is. I experienced that growing up. I was told of one family who was referred from a foodbank and the mother was crying over not being able to get her kids anything for Christmas.
“Her husband was battling cancer and stopped getting sick pay, and they were struggling with rent arrears. It is people like that we help. It makes a world of difference.”
The toy bank was started after PHD student John recognised that there was a need to help families over Christmas. He had been collecting for city food banks and spotted there was no provision for Christmas.
Last year, the collection helped around 147 families and excess toys were even taken to Drumchapel foodbank in the north of the city.
Families are referred to the toy bank by social workers, foodbanks and the charity Children 1st.
Now the collection is run by an army of volunteers who are waiting for the public to donate brand new toys so that they can get them to families in times for Christmas.
John said: “If you provide people with an opportunity to help, they will do it. They always respond and people are wonderful, they really are.
“The more donations we get, the more people can help. I love doing this because I do my best to help people. It is amazing thing and at the end of every year it is so rewarding.
“You get so many heartwarming stories but it is sad as well as you see how people live and situations they are in – it’s a double-edged sword.”
The toy bank is now open to receive brand new toys. You can drop off your donation at The Riverside Hall, 29 to 31 Clydebrae Street, Glasgow, Monday to Friday, 10am to 3pm.
For more information. visit www. facebook.com/communitytoybank