True meaning of Christmas
Give A Gift campaign brings joy
Observer readers once again have answered the Give A Gift call in their masses.
Charities and good causes have been choosing from the piles of items donated, which will help to ensure many children and young people experience a better Christmas than they may have been facing.
A total of 22 representatives from eight local charities, plus eight social workers and support workers from Stirling Council, came to the Observer’s offices on Friday to gather toys and gifts for hundreds of sick, disabled, needy and disadvantaged children and families from across Stirling.
Among the good causes who attended were Barnardo’s, Stirling Young Carers, Stirling and District Women’s Aid, Stirling Down’s Syndrome Playgroup (now known as KiDS), Support4Families, PLUS, Home-Start Stirling, and Cornton Vale and Glenochil Family Help Hubs.
Other charities which were unable to attend on the day are also having toys distributed to them this week to pass on to the youngsters they support.
All were overwhelmed by the outpouring of generosity from people of all ages and walks of life right across Stirling.
Observer reporter Kaiya Marjoribanks said: “It would be impossible to thank individually all those who donated, however each and every item was appreciated and has contributed to the vast array of items which the charities were able to collect.
“We would like to thank all those who kindly acted as drop-off points, making it as convenient as possible for the public to hand in their items, as well as all the workplaces, schools, nurseries, churches and groups who organised their own collections.”
“Heartfelt thanks goes to all those individuals who went to the trouble and expense of ‘giving a gift’. We never fail to be touched by people’s generosity and kindness, from children as young as those in Croftamie and Cowie Nurseries to the senior citizen who hands in some very expensive gifts each year.
“One of the most touching donations we had was from grandparents who donated a brand new bike which their disabled grandson had sadly been unable to use. They can be rest assured, however, that it is going to a very worthy home.”
Janice Beaton of Support for Families, who joined the list of beneficiaries this year, said: “We are just so grateful for the generous gifts we received from the Observer appeal.
“This has been the best year ever for our service. We are overwhelmed by the generosity of the people who donated gifts for the children. This inspired us to create our own Santa’s Grotto and have a big party for the children.
“The gifts from the Observer meant the children could come to a party and visit Santa in his Grotto to receive toys.
“Along with support received from Cash For Kids we will now have the opportunity to distribute gifts to some of our most vulnerable families and make Christmas seem a little bit more special.”