A toy appeal has been set up in Highland Perthshire to bring joy on Christmas morning to families squeezed by new financial circumstances.
Gillian Trueman, from Pitlochry, was inspired to start COVID Christmas Toy Appeal in her local area after seeing how Perth’s Christmas Toy Operation had been started by North Muirton mum Cheryl Clark.
Round the clock COVID-19 tests helping identify sick patients faster
Gillian (39) reached out to people in the Pitlochry area, having taken a snap decision to do her bit to ensure there were plenty of toys to go round this Christmas.
She explained“The idea is if you have any clean toys, clothes or anything you are wanting to get rid of, send pictures to me and I will put it on the Facebook page with a link to contact for collection.”
Gillian, a married mum with a seven year-old daughter herself, came to Pitlochry four years ago to work with the theatre.
She told the PA she wanted to “help Santa fill that sleigh” and help make Christmas great for children, and not such a worry for parents.
Fire station staff get award for using bikes
“COVID-19 has messed with so many people’s lives,” she said.
“Suddenly there’s uncertainty and unexpected changes in employment and finances for many that could not be at a worse time.
“I read about the toy appeal going on in Perth and I felt how very lucky we are in my family with neither myself or my husband losing our jobs.
“It was an awful realisation that many people are facing really hard times.
“Pitlochry, with its hotels and visitors, relies on a service industry and that has taken a battering.
“The thought of some children having nothing under the tree on Christmas morning, well I had to do something.
“Things began well at the end of November with Amanda at Love Your Sweets donating 20 fantastic Fair Trade advent calenders to us.”
Claire swims in freezing Loch Tay on her birthday
Gillian said lots of lovely donation offers have come in and now she wants to spread the word that the gifts are available right up until December 23, people just need to get in touch through the Facebook page ‘COVID Christmas Toy Appeal’.
The appeal has also had requests for adult gift sets as well as presents for children.
As well as donations of actual items, Gillian has asked for cash which will go to “food, drink and treats for Highland Perthshire food banks” through a donation page she has set up on:
https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/gillian-trueman-2
