The Standard’s Toy Appeal launches today to help under-privileged children experience the magic of Christmas.
It has been a tough year for everyone through the pandemic but more so for our children and young people, especially those disadvantaged by poverty.
They deserve a Christmas gift to show that we care.
The support for the appeal last year was phenomenal.
In just a few weeks we received thousands of pounds worth of donated gifts, sweets and cash donations which went to almost 700 children – our biggest yet.
We couldn’t have done it without our big-hearted readers and the generosity of the community.
And we are appealing to you to help us make it happen this year for babies to teenagers in Dumfriesshire, referred to us by agencies.
We are grateful to Ewan and Maureen Fraser and their staff at the Toll Bar Stores, who have started us off with an amazing donation of £1,000.
And thanks also to the big-hearted Dumfries’ postmen and women have been collecting all year at the delivery office in Great King’s Street.
But, we face an uphill challenge because a lot of places that normally give to us are closed and organisations or groups of previous supporters have not been meeting.
Our own offices are closed and we are all working from home. However, we are carrying on with some changes and plenty of safety measures.
It is essential this year to make sure:
●No secondhand toys
●Toys must be new, unused and sealed, boxed or tagged
●Please do not wrap toys in Christmas paper
This year, we only have five collection points where toys can be dropped off.
They are the Morrisons supermarket in Dumfries, Tesco Extra at Cuckoo Bridge and Tesco at the Peel Centre which have designated collection points in store.
Marks and Spencer has a collection point at the Christmas tree near the coffee shop which has our special tags on. Please pick one from the branches, buy an appropriate gift for the child on it and leave in the baskets.
The Dumfries Nationwide branch is also taking part again and toys can be handed in between 9am and 2pm Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays and from 10am to 2pm on Wednesdays.
We are aware that, under the circumstances, supporters may want to make a cash donation this year rather than have to shop for a toy.
Throughout November, both Tesco stores have collection tubs – which would usually hold the Bags of Help blue tokens – where the public can make a cash or cheque donation.
Alternatively, you can make a cash donation into our bank account at the Bank of Scotland in Dumfries either in branch or online.
The Standard Toy Appeal account number is 10856666 and the sort code is 80-22-60.
■ For any queries email: sharon.liptrott@reachplc.com or call 07917516142.
