Toy giveaway delivers for kids
Over 1500 youngsters received gifts
An appeal to collect and deliver toys for families who struggle to afford the cost of Christmas was a huge success.
North Lanarkshire Council led the project, in conjunction with Voluntary Action North Lanarkshire.
The council encouraged its staff, individuals and organisations to ‘Give a toy – spread the joy’ as part of an eight-stop event across the area.
It was the brainchild of community volunteer Martine Nolan, who has organised similar appeals in Motherwell and Wishaw over the last couple of years to help families with much-needed toys.
This year, she approached the depute leader of the council, Councillor Paul Kelly, for help to make the appeal even bigger and better – and as a result 600 families and over 1500 children enjoyed toys and gifts they may not have otherwise received.
Cllr Kelly said: “The generosity shown by our local people and organisations has demonstrated the true spirit of the season.
“For many children in our community, this time of year can be really tough, with presents being a luxury some families just can’t afford.
“We are so thankful to the public for helping us to bring a little happiness to so many children across North Lanarkshire.”
Martine added: “It was a wonderful feeling to see so many smiles on so many children’s faces at the toy giveaway events, at what can be such a sad time of year for some. I’m very thankful to the council for their help in reaching out to more people and organisations and taking the appeal to another level.”