Your gifts will go to worthy homes
Heartfelt thanks to our readers
Children around the Stirling area will be experiencing a better Christmas thanks to an outpouring of generosity from Stirling Observer readers.
A total of 22 representatives from eight local charities and eight social workers and support workers from Stirling Council came to the Observer’s offices on Friday to gather up toys and gifts for hundreds of sick, disabled, needy and disadvantaged children and families from across Stirling.
Among the good causes who attended were Barnardo’s, Stirling Young Carers, Stirling and District Women’s Aid, Stirling Down’s Syndrome Playgroup (now known as KiDS), Support4Families, PLUS, Home-Start Stirling, and Cornton Vale and Glenochil Family Help Hubs. Other charities which were unable to attend on the day will also have toys distributed to them to pass on to the youngsters they support.
Observer reporter Kaiya Marjoribanks said: “Every year the response to the appeal just grows but so does the level of need.
“Anyone who comes along will tell you, that first glimpse of all the items is quite a sight - but I think even those who come along year on year were surprised at just how much there was to choose from this year. In spite of that, however, everything was quickly snapped up.
“The appeal is a huge undertaking for the Observer, but pales in comparison to the amazing work these dedicated people do all year round, not to mention the effort they put in to make sure all the gifts get to these children.
“It is clear how passionate these people are about what they do and the responsibility they feel for ensuring the children they support have a better Christmas than they might otherwise have had.
“For some youngsters it is the difference between knowing Santa remembered them or waking up to nothing or very little on Christmas morning. For others it is about letting them and their families know that their difficulties, whatever they may be, are not ignored by others in their community and hopefully they will feel less isolated, particularly at this time of year.”
Stirling Council family support worker Kevin McKeown said: “The response from the Stirling public to the appeal has been magnificent .
“These gifts help to alleviate some of the stresses and expenses of Christmas for the parents and help to put a smile on the faces of the children who receive them.”
Home-Start Stirling manager Rachel Keenan was equally grateful. She said: “Christmas can be such a stressful time for families, especially for those who have additional pressures such illness, financial difficulties or isolation. The Give a Gift Appeal allows us to offer a little extra to families at this time which is always gratefully received.”
And Stirling Young Carers coordinator Zoe Tetsall added: “Stirling Young Carers Service would like to say a big thank you to all those who donate to the Give a Gift Appeal this year. The gifts we are able to pass on to the Young Carers give them an extra boost at this time of year, and lets them know their communities are thinking of them.”
•See Friday’s edition for our special feature on the appeal’s supporters.