Amazing donations bring cheer to kids
Children around the Stirling area will be experiencing a better Christmas thanks to an outpouring of generosity from Stirling Observer readers.
Representatives from a host of local charities and good causes along with social workers and support workers from Stirling Council came to the Observer’s offices on Wednesday to gather up toys and gifts for hundreds of sick, disabled, needy and disadvantaged children and families from across Stirling area.
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, Forth Valley Royal Hospital children’s ward and Cornton Vale and Glenochil Family Help Hubs. Others 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: “Should anyone need a reason to feel proud to live in Stirling, they only have to look at the amazing response there has been to the appeal. Each and every item illustrates that this is an area that cares and shows those in need of more help, for whatever reason, that their neighbours and community appreciate their struggles.
“Anyone who comes along will tell you, that first glimpse of all the items is quite a sight. However, all of these items are very much needed and everything is quickly snapped up.
“One of the charities alone told us they support 150 local families and that is replicated across many of these good causes.
“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.
“We also hope it inspires the public to continue to support these charities all year round.
“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.”
The gifts were gathered in from individuals of all ages along with locals businesses, workplaces and schools. Support from drop off points across the area was also vital to the appeal’s success.
•See the Observer over the next few weeks for special features on the charities’ collection day, more details and pics of those who donated and the drop off points, and information from the charities of what your gifts have meant to many local children.