Budding police officers step up for toy banks
Paisley’s Police Scotland Youth Volunteers (PSYV) helped clock over three million steps to make sure kids in need don’t go without this Christmas.
The youngsters, who teamed up with their counterparts in Inverclyde, raised more than £1,000 for toy bank appeals as they smashed their original target.
Members of the PSYV had planned to walk one million steps during the month of November, but achieved that aim in just two weeks - so they set their sights on going even further.
They managed to take more than three million combined steps, collecting £1,200 for toy bank appeals in Renfrewshire and Inverclyde.
Donations will be passed to the Renfrewshire Toy Bank Appeal and volunteers there will distribute the presents to children and teenagers up to the age of 18.
This is the third year the toy bank appeal, which was started by Renfrew mum Lauren Roy-Sutherland, has gifted toys to kids at Christmas
Last year, 1,500 presents were handed out, but this year Lauren believes the number of referrals they will get from charities, social workers, community groups and the local food bank could reach as high as 4,000 as the Covid-19 crisis continues to hit families hard.
The PSYV group consists of 24 young people aged between 13 and 17 who each give up their own time to volunteer for the benefit of their community.
The events organiser was delighted with the efforts of all involved and everyone who donated to the worthy cause.
PC Audrey Paul, PSYV coordinator, said: “I would like to express my thanks and gratitude for the great work carried out by both PSYV Paisley and Inverclyde and to all of those who supported their efforts.”
To donate to their drive, visit https://bit. ly/35DbFOk