A merry big thank-you
Individuals, schools and businesses from across the Stirling area are being thanked for their magnificent efforts for this year’s Stirling Observer Give A Gift Appeal.
Representatives of charities and good causes were greeted by the sight of a treasure trove of toys and gifts last Wednesday at the Stirling Observer offices.
It was all thanks to the efforts of people of all ages throughout our circulation area, including rural areas such as Callander, Aberfoyle, Croftamie, Balfron, Port of Menteith and Buchlvyie.
Among the schools which held community collections was Balfron Primary.
Principal teacher Aaron Kirwood said: “The response from parents and children has been great. The pupils were very excited to be involved, especially when I told them they are helping to make a difference to people’s lives.
“I teach P4/3 and as a class our learning focus for this term has been about helping vulnerable people in our community so being involved in Give A Gift was also a great opportunity to combine learning and community.”
Buchlyvie Primary meanwhile collected for the appeal during their Christmas Jumper Day.
Joining the effort and collecting from their communities were Callander and Port of Menteith and Croftamie Nursery. All three have been involved with the appeal now for several years.
Callander’s Tesco Express gathered in gifts, and in Aberfoyle the new Station Cafe acted as one of the new drop off points for the appeal.
Observer reporter Kaiya Marjoribanks said: “The willingness of these areas to harness their already evident community spirit to benefit sick, disabled, needy and disadvantaged children and young people right across the Stirling area was extremely heartening.
“Many schools and nurseries commented on what a positive experience this was for pupils and a great way of encouraging them to think of others, which was lovely to hear.
“Through Stirling Council’s social services as well as the many charities who have benefited, children right across our circulation area, including our rural areas, will have received gifts they may not otherwise have had.
“The Stirling Observer team would like to say a huge thank you to all those who donated, whether individuals, groups, workplaces, businesses or schools, and also to those which acted as drop off points for the appeal as without them none of this would have been possible.
“The appeal exists not only to ensure these children and young people receive gifts they may not otherwise have had, but also to show them and their families that their communities care about and acknowlege their struggles. This can seem a particularly lonely time of year when you are facing challenges.
“The outpouring of support for this appeal is humbling and illustrates to those in need that their community does indeed care, which is perhaps the best gift of all. One of the charities has already told us that a girl they support cried when told she was receiving something thanks to the generosity of people in this area. That speaks volumes.”
Among the good causes benefitting were Stirling Council social services, 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, Forth Valley Royal Hospital children’s ward, and Cornton Vale and Glenochil Family Help
Hubs.
Others who were unable to attend on the collection day have also been having toys distributed to them 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.
“It’s a huge undertaking for us,” added Kaiya, “but it is something we feel privileged to do, not only for the young people in our community but also to support these amazing people who support them and their families all year round.
We also hope the appeal encourages the public to support these charities throughout the year.”