Even Santa Claus needs some help - and a host of local businesses played a pivotal role in providing Christmas cheer to children and young people during the festive season.
The Stirling Observer’s Give A Gift Appeal couldn’t operate without the generosity of the drop off points across the area.
Appeal coordinator, Observer reporter Kaiya Marjoribanks, said: “With our own offices closed to the public since the start of the pandemic, the drop-off points have been particularly vital to ensuring the success of the appeal.
“What is particularly remarkable is that despite the challenges these businesses all faced over the last few months - whether they were economic or logistical - they were all only too happy to find a safe way of accepting donations.
“Over the years drop off points have come on board and stayed on board and it’s no coincidence that every year the number of places offering to be drop off points increase, as does the volume of gifts donated.”
Morrisons supermarket in Springkerse have now acted as a drop off point for several years with trolleys full of toys and gifts being collected from the store year on year - with 2021 no exception.
“The team there are always only too happy to help and helping local causes and charities is something they do all year round,” added Kaiya.
“Similarly, another stalwart, Nationwide Building Society in Port Street, gathered in a bumper collection thanks to staff and customers. Again, helping local charities is something they are very involved in and we feel fortunate to have them on board.
“Having the Nationwide in the city centre along with Karen Hill and her colleagues and customers at Barber and Co in Upper Craigs who are always happy to take in the toys, has been greatly appreciated.”
Jintz Express cafe and takeaway again proved to be popular drop offs for locals in Bannockburn and Springkerse.
And Andrew Anderson & Sons funeral directors in Raploch and Balfron also vitally helped to widen the reach of the appeal.
Beech Tree Cafe in Dunblane meanwhile also once again gathered in bags of goodies, having been a loyal drop off point for several years.
“Being able to have drop off points across much of our circulation area,” said Kaiya, “is so important, particularly in terms of helping our readers feel they can be part of the bigger effort.”
The Waitrose store in Stirling came on board as a drop off point for the first time, with the store and its team also donating their own gifts.
Also a first time drop off point was Intrepid in Aberfoyle thanks to a kind offer from Clare Mulcahey.
And joining their longer term counterparts at Tesco Express in Callander, the Tesco Express store in Fallin also came on board as a drop off point this year.
“It’s particularly nice that we don’t have to chase anyone to become a drop off point,” said Kaiya. “All of these businesses have come to us to offer their help which shows a real Christmas spirit and the desire to help those who may be going through challenging times.
“On behalf of the Stirling Observer and all the charities and good causes who helped Santa distribute the toys to local children and young people we’d like to say a huge thank you for their help.”
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.
Becky Quilliam, family outreach and children’s manager for Stirling and District Women’s Aid, said thanks to the appeal and other avenues of support the charity was able to build a Santa’s grotto at its office.
“As in previous years, the children being supported by our children’s workers and those living in our safe accommodation all received three Christmas gifts of their choosing and we were able to support families struggling with additional gifts and stocking fillers. We are very grateful to everyone who has supported our families, it makes a huge difference. Thank you.”
