2018 Toy Appeal is unwrapped
The 2018 West Lothian Christmas Toy Appeal has been unwrapped.
The highly-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. The charity allows people to donate toys to disadvantaged children.
Families are referred to the appeal through Health Visitors, Social Workers, and Citizens Advice Bureau.
Often families can be going through a tough time temporarily and organisers are no strangers to people who have had help from the appeal in the past to become donors after getting their lives back on track.
West Lothian Leisure and West Lothian Council are again supporting the appeal to help disadvantaged youngsters this Christmas.
Those wishing to donate toys can do so at any of West Lothian Leisure’s Xcite venues.
Residents can start taking their toys to any of Xcite’s 10 venues from now until December 17.
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.
“We are delighted that West Lothian Leisure has offered to help out again. In the past, one of the main obstacles we have encountered is the lack of suitable drop off points for people to hand toys into.
“West Lothian Leisure has offered to help and those wishing to donate can take their toys to any of their Xcite facilities, which are located across West Lothian, making them accessible to everyone.
“Having a drop-off point in each locality makes it easier for people to donate and does tend to increase the number of toys donated.”
Robin Strang, chief executive of West Lothian Leisure said: “We have been supporting the West Lothian Toy Appeal for a number of years and we are again delighted to be a drop off hub for such a fantastic cause.
“The Toy Appeal has a huge impact on so many families in West Lothian and we are committed to helping the local community’s wellbeing.
“We have Xcite venues all over West Lothian which makes it easier for residents to bring along toys and drop them off.
“We’ve always have had a huge support from our customers, staff and the community who take part in the campaign.”
Leader of West Lothian Council, Lawrence Fitzpatrick added: “The Toy Appeal is a very worthwhile cause that has helped a large number of local families.
“The council has supported the appeal through collections from staff for a number of years now. I’d encourage local residents who are able to help to hand in any donations into their local Xcite centre, and help make sure that all children in West Lothian receive something special this Christmas.”
Having a drop-off point makes easier for people to donate