‘ GENEROUS’ CITY PRAISED FOR TOY BANK DONATIONS
GLASGOW has shown it’s “such a caring city” as one toy bank is overwhelmed with gifts for children this Christmas. Spirit Aid, which was founded by award- winning actor David Hayman, has been inundated with “more donations than ever before” as Glaswegians rushed to help those less fortunate when the pandemic began earlier this year.
As the festive season approaches, the charity is already filling its Morrison Street office with toy and food deliveries to help spread some cheer this Christmas.
The charity’s Patrick Rolnik said: “What we have seen from March is an incredible generosity from the people of the west of Scotland. It’s difficult to find the words. We were expecting to really struggle this year, but we’ve had more donations of food, clothing and toys than we could have imagined – more than ever before.
“It’s really been a big boost for us, the fact that Glasgow is such a caring city.”
The charity works tirelessly throughout the year to prepare food hampers and a variety of other services for those in need.
This year, as the Covid- 19 pandemic began, the number of people looking to help surged and the charity helped thousands more than it usually does.
However, this has put an added strain on its toy bank service – which last year helped ensure more than 5000 children woke up with a present on Christmas morning – meaning the next three weeks are “vital” in ensuring the big day is a special one for young people.
Patrick said: “We’ve already started taking in donations, but with coronavirus everything is behind. We anticipated to bring in about £ 15,000 to £ 20,000 from the Kiltwalk and the same from our golf day, but we’ve had none of that.
“Thankfully, coronavirus has brought out people’s generous side. We’ve got more volunteers than ever before with people who are on furlough and don’t want to sit at home.”
As previously reported, the Glasgow Times Toy Bank appeal – which launched last week – will help charities like Spirit Aid to save Christmas for the city’s children. On December 4, a paper bag will be included in every copy of the newspaper to be filled with goodies and dropped at local toy banks, such as Spirit Aid, or to corporate partners, Storage Vault and A1 Toys. From there, it will be distributed among charities who will deliver the gifts to the children who need them most.
He added: “In a way it’s good, because coronavirus has really shone a light on the poverty in Glasgow.
“We’re certainly determined this year to make sure Christmas is as positive as possible for people who have had a really rubbish year.”
The charity is also accepting cash gifts to help with their food hampers via a JustGiving page.
Meanwhile, for those looking to donate online, the group has set up an Amazon wishlist for those looking to purchase toys for this year’s drive. Details of the donation pages can be found on the Spirit Aid charity website.