Army of volunteers deliver over 2000 gift packages

These are just some of the amazing volunteers, businesses, people and organisations who helped support the Renfrewshire Christmas Toy Bank appeal.

The 2020 appeal was the busiest yet since the charity was set up three years ago by Renfrew mum Lauren Roy-Sutherland.

More than 2,100 gift packages have gone out in time for Christmas and over £5,000 in donations was spent on gift cards. This year the appeal’s Amazon wish-list became even more important as a way for people to contribute without going out on a non-essential visit.

Lauren thanked all those who volunteered and worked tirelessly over the last few months to keep the donations coming in and going out. She said:“Helping out normally is amazing but doing it while being in a global pandemic is just so selfless and I thank them all for sticking with me and hope they all know how vital and appreciated they are.”

Several Renfrewshire businesses and organisations contributed including The Coach House in Bridge of Weir, The Scottish Leather Group, Enva, St Mirren

Charitable Foundation, Kibble, Unison Renfrewshire, Paisley Grammar School, Davidson’s in Renfrew, Roar - Connections for life, DS carriers, The K9 way, Baby Sensory and Food at Underwood Road.

Referrals came from several groups including Star Project, Home Link, Karios women’s space, The Space Project, LACC workers, Home Start, Who cares? Scotland, Pals of the Privies, all Renfrewshire divisions of social work, Families First and health visitors.

Lauren added:“When individuals have came forward, linking them up with one of these groups also means that most of the time they also end up getting other support that I can’t offer.

“I cannot thank these organisations enough as the time and effort they put in for local children is amazing.”