You can make all the difference to a child this year
We team up with Salvation Army for gift appeal
The Paisley Daily Express today launches its annual Christmas Toy Appeal.
And we are again asking our generous readers to donate toys and gifts for children and young people whose families cannot afford to buy them.
The appeal, which has been a huge success over the many years it has run, is being organised in conjunction with the Paisley citadel of the Salvation Army, in Mill Street, where readers can drop off their donations.
The church’s Major Cora Joy Tucker said: “Last year we gave out over 1,200 presents to help support families in need.
“Support workers from Renfrewshire refer families and volunteers pack up the toys for them to be distributed.
“The toys and gifts are donated by the people of Paisley and purchased from donations given specifically for this purpose. It only works because you make it work.
“We ask that all toys are new and suitable for boys and girls ranging from newborns to 16-years-old.
“Please leave the gifts unwrapped as it makes it easier for us to allocate them. We receive lots of toys for younger children, but ask that you might also consider a gift for an older young person.”
Some suggestions for gifts are as follows:
Newborn to one years: soft toys, cot mobiles, baby clothes, bath toys
One to three years: dolls, teddy bears, bath toys, puzzles, cloth books.
Three to five years: dolls and action figures, cars, lorries, colouring sets, pencils, crayons, books, puzzles.
Five to nine years: educational games and toys, colouring sets, pencils, crayons, books, puzzles,
Nine to 12 years: games, toys, stationery, books, hair accessories, make-up, nail art, gloves, scarves.
Thirteen to 16 years: books, make- up and toiletries ( nonallergenic if possible), gloves, scarves, hats, hair accessories, jewellery, perfume, aftershave, keyrings, electronic games.
People are asked to check if their gift needs batteries and to please consider supplying these as appropriate.
The Salvation Army hall in Mill Street will be open on Monday, December 4, to Thursday, December 7, from 10am to 4pm to receive donations.
Please do not deliver them to the Paisley Daily Express office.
Gavin McInally, editor of the Paisley Daily Express, said: “For many years, the readers of the Paisley Daily Express have thought of others less fortunate than themselves at Christmas and donated generously to our toy appeal.
“I feel certain that this year will be no different and that readers will give what they can.
“I would like to thank everyone in advance for their kindness and generosity.”
Last year we gave out 1,200 presents to help support families in need