The Hamilton Advertiser's annual Christmas Toy Appeal is back!
Working in conjunction with our friends at the Hamilton branch of the Salvation Army, it's time to kick start our ever-popular campaign for families in need.
Last year we hit an all time record high with donations gifted to literally hundreds of needy children across the county.
And we need your help more than ever before this year to help us once again meet the needs of South Lanarkshire Council's social work services and the dozens of outside referrals we receive each year.
From now until mid-December, we will be accepting brand new toys for girls and boys, pyjamas (all sizes), winter woolies, sports sets/games, baby clothes and gifts for children aged new born to 12.
We also require items such as fragrance sets, make up, handbags, costume jewellery, footballs and gift cards for the older children aged 13 and up.
A week prior to Christmas we then distribute a bag of goodies to each child on social work services lists, as well as deliver donations to struggling families who are not in need of social works services, but who have found themselves down on their luck and in need of a little help.
Advertiser reporter Leona Greenan, who coordinates the Toy Appeal each year, said: "The work we do from now until December is absolutely vital to the hundreds of disadvantaged families across South Lanarkshire who rely on the generous donations of our readers to ease their worry each Christmas.
"Your donations really do make Christmas magical for so many children on our own doorsteps, who might otherwise get absolutely nothing, or indeed very little, on December 25.
"Our appeal ensures that every child receives gifts galore from Santa Claus and we cannot thank you enough for your continued support each year."
Donation stations will open across Hamilton in the coming weeks but in the meantime you can contact Toy Appeal coordinator Leona Greenan to arrange delivery or pickup of goods.