Let’s hear it for the toys
One hundred and five families are set for a better Christmas thanks to the generosity of the people of Wishaw and the surrounding area.
The Toy Giveaway is the idea of local charity organiser, Wishaw woman, Martine Nolan.
And last Sunday’s event held in Centrepoint, Gowkthrapple, was voted a resounding success with more than 95 children and their parents in attendance.
Martine said: “I would like to thank all those who donated new and good condition pre-loved toys.
“There were bikes, scooters, games, jigsaws, cars and trucks, dolls, dinosaurs Thomas the Tank Engines, Peppa Pigs, building blocks and so much more made available for families to choose from.
“Two generous donations included the toy collection organised by Primary five pupils at Orchard Primary school and £600 donated by Scotmid.”
The £600 from Scotmid was used to buy sweets, crisps and soft drinks so that each child who attended the event was welcomed with a bag of treats. The Scotmid donation was also used to buy toiletries sets for teenagers – a group who are often overlooked at this time of year, Martine says.
A free raffle with lots of prizes was also held, including a lovely hamper donated by local MP Marion Fellows.
Families were offered a free vegetable pack when leaving the event, with all the ingredients needed to make a wholesome pot of warming winter vegetable soup. This generous donation was from Lanarkshire Community Food and Health Partnership.
This year with the assistance of North Lanarkshire Council toy giveaway events are being held in eight different towns in North Lanarkshire.
These events are a collaboration of local groups coming together to make a difference to children and their families across the whole of North Lanarkshire.
Martine added: “These events wouldn’t be possible without the support of the amazing volunteers.
“There are so many volunteers to thank I can’t list all their names, from family and friends, VANL, North Lanarkshire Council employees, members of the Gold Group at Centrepoint and the Forge- ahead Group from the Forgewood Community Centre, the location of the next local toy giveaway on December 10.
She also thanked councillors Roarty and MaGowan who both donated toys and took the time out to volunteer at the event over the weekend.
Organisers say if you are thinking about clearing out your cupboards and toy boxes to consider donating used toys to the Motherwell Toy Giveaway at the Forgewood Centre. Donations can be taken on Wednesday 6, Thursday 7 and Friday, December 8, between 9.30-5.30pm to the Forgewood Centre 49 Dinmont Cres, Motherwell ML1 3TT.
They can also be taken between 3 and 6pm on Saturday, December 9, the night before the toy giveaway, or donations can be made for the Shotts Toy Giveaway at Shotts Leisure Centre from December 11 to December 15.