Stirling Observer readers have yet again donated more toys and gifts than ever to the Stirling Observer Give A Gift Appeal.
Charities and good causes were delighted to collect a bumper amount of items from us last week, allowing them to get started on the hard work of distributing presents to the children and young people they support.
While in previous years the items have been collected and distributed from the Observer offices, this year the donations were sorted and set out in a community hall - kindly offered for use by Stirling Council - ready for charity representatives to makes their choices.
Stirling Provost Christine Simpson paid a visit to see for herself the tangible generosity of the people of Stirling, bringing some items herself to add to the collection.
While delighted and overwhelmed by the donations, this year, the 13th of our annual festive appeal, many representatives of the charities and good causes said the need for their services - and the gifts - has also been higher than ever before.
Observer reporter Kaiya Marjoribanks said: “The response to the appeal is something we never taken for granted but which has always been both overwhelming and humbling.
“Yet again the people, groups and businesses of Stirling have truly pulled out all the stops.
“Last year’s appeal drew an exceptional number of donations but again, under the most difficult of circumstances, those who could do so made an even more incredible effort.
“The appeal is a huge undertaking for us every year, but having use of a local hall was also vital in the organisation this year so a big thank you to all those who made that possible, including Councillor Chris Kane, and also to the Provost for taking the time to visit and donate.”
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Among the charities and good causes which help to distribute the gifts every year are: Stirling Young Carers; Home-Start Stirling which supports families with young children going through difficult times; Stirling Women’s Aid; Stirling Council social services; PLUS, which provides social opportunities for children and young people with disabilities; Cornton Vale and Glenochil Family Support Hubs; FVRH children’s ward; and Support4Families, which helps families affected by a loved one’s drug or alcohol misuse.
Groups set up by local volunteers in the Observer circulation area including CRAG (Cowie), Ladies of the Rock, Polmaise Community Council, and Love in a Box, were also able to receive toys for children and families they support.
Home-Start Stirling manager Rachel Keenan said: “Christmas for many families is a difficult time of year, both financially and emotionally and we like to offer both practical and emotional support to families to ease the stress of Christmas.
“Being able to give the children some gifts eases the emotional and financial stress on parents and ensures that no children go without on Christmas day.
“We are very grateful to the readers of the Stirling Observer for their generosity. It is very much appreciated by the families of Home-Start Stirling.”
A representative of Cornton Vale and Glenochil Family Support Hubs added: “There will be lots of happy children on Christmas morning, as we distributed toys all over the Forth Valley to families we support.
“Heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of your readers, businesses and everybody who donated.”
Drop-off points this year included long-standing supporters such Morrisons supermarket, Barber Co in Upper Craigs, Nationwide Building Society, Jintz Express in Bannockburn and Springkerse, Andrew Anderson & Sons in Balfron and Raploch, Beech Tree Cafe in Dunblane and Callander Tesco Express, as well as new additions Waitrose in Stirling, Intrepid in Aberfoyle and Tesco Express in Fallin.
“Without the drop-off points,” added Kaiya, “the appeal just couldn’t happen so a huge thank you to them all.
“Most of all thank you to all those who have donated to the 2021 appeal, many who have done so year after year.
“While we would all rather such a need didn’t exist, the people of Stirling should be proud of their response and their willingness to make Christmas Day a better experience for so many children and families than it might otherwise be.
“We hope it shows to people who may be having a difficult time, particularly at Christmas, that their community cares about their struggles, whatever they may be.”
Keep an eye out in forthcoming editions for photos and details of some of the donors and drop-off points who contributed to this year’s appeal.
To see video footage of the haul of donations visit the Stirling Observer Facebook page.
