The Salvation Army in East Kilbride has launched its annual Toy Appeal to make sure disadvantaged children enjoy a happy Christmas.
Despite lockdown, last year saw over 700 youngsters having a present to open on Christmas day that otherwise would have gone without.
This year the charity say they expect to exceed that amount with greater need than ever due to huge financial pressures facing families following the COVID pandemic.
And the Salvation Army need your help to make their Christmas.
Carol, who has run the Toy Appeal for the last 12 years, told Lanarkshire Live : "It's just got bigger and bigger.
"When I started running the Toy Appeal we gave out gifts o 100 kids - we're now delivering to 700 children.
"I've always said I would love the day to come that there wasn't a need for the Toy Appeal, but there just always is."
As in past years, all the toys, gifts and cash collected in the Toy Appeal will be distributed to underprivileged kids living in the East Kilbride and Avondale area.
The Toy Appeal gives to children aged from birth to 16 years and donations of toys, selection boxes, books, games, cash are gratefully accepted.
What the charity ask is that toys or other donated items are new as children who will benefit from the appeal do have the same hopes and expectations as children in any other family.
Donations can be handed in – up until Monday, December 6 – to the Salvation Army Citadel at 25 Mid Park in The Murray, where Toy Appeal coordinator Carol Gillies and her team of volunteers are waiting to bag them up ready for delivery in time for Christmas.
Donations can also be dropped off at Nationwide bank in the town centre Plaza - with more drop off points to be confirmed.
What the appeal organisers are finding as they bag up your donations is a shortage of gifts for teenage boys and boys eight years and over – so suitable donations for these age groups would be very warmly welcomed.
“Presents for teenage boys and boys over eight is where we struggle most", added Carol.
"We’ve found over the last few years that one of the best things for teenagers is vouchers; cinema, trampoline park, Aerial Adventures, sports shops, they’ve been really good.
"Boys over eight is also a difficult one so the likes of footballs, outdoor sports equipment/games/training sets, LEGO or connect sets are ideal.
“And backpack are great so the children have something for school – so a gift pack of a backpack, voucher and toiletry set is ideal.
"We are also appealing for books again this year which worked well last year and little stocking fillers like colouring and sticker books, pens and pencils.
"For teenage girls jewellery sets (not earrings), make up, nail polish and toiletry sets are what we need."
Organisers also need gift tags, wrapping paper, sticky tape and batteries, especially AA batteries, all of which would be gratefully received.
Sensory toys are also needed for children with additional support needs.
Donations of gifts will be accepted until Christmas Eve. To arrange a donation or to volunteer to help call 01355 234 366 or Carol directly on 07734 104 130.
You can also contact the church through the Salvation Army EK Christmas Toy Appeal Facebook Page where you will find their Amazon Wish List.
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