Festive campaign for disadvantaged children
The 2017 West Lothian Christmas Toy Appeal is coming to a town near you.
The popular charity event helps around 1000 children from 400 families each year including those from the most socially or financially disadvantaged families in the area.
But to help these families the charity needs people to donate toys.
The appeal was launched at Tesco Bathgate who are collecting old and new toys for the appeal in store up to Friday, December 8.
Xcite is also supporting the appeal this year and those wishing to donate toys can do so at any Xcite facility from now until December 8.
Wendy Simpson, from River Kids, who are organising this year’s Toy Appeal, said: “As the name suggests, people are urged to donate toys. Ideally we are looking for new toys, but good quality second hand toys are also needed and welcomed.
“Having Santa deliver toys at Christmas may not make up for the dismal reality of living in refuge accommodation or separated from friends and family members, but at least it brings a little brightness into the lives of innocent children.
“If it was not for the West Lothian Toy Appeal, having nothing to open on Christmas Day would be a reality for 1500 West Lothian children.
“With the support of the West Lothian Community, we can ensure that every child referred to us will get a good Christmas and help to make lives better for all the family.”
Robin Strang, chief executive of Xcite, said: “This is our seventh year supporting the West Lothian Toy Appeal and we are delighted to be able to offer our facilities for such a fantastic charity.
“The Toy Appeal has a huge impact on so many families in West Lothian and we are proud to play our part. We have facilities all over West Lothian which makes it easy for residents to bring along toys and drop them off. Last year proved incredibly popular and we’re hoping for another great year.”
Tracey Harrison, community champion at Tesco Bathgate, added: “We have had a great response already and knowing that they all go to kids in our area is great for our own community.”
The Toy Appeal has a huge impact on so many families in West Lothian and we are proud to play our part