Support the 2020 Dumfries and Galloway Standard Christmas Toy Appeal

The Standard’s Toy Appeal is well under way with a mission to help under-privileged children experience the magic of Christmas.

We can’t do it without our big-hearted readers and the generosity of the community.

And we are appealing to you to help us make it happen this year.

We are aware that, under the circumstances, supporters may want to make a cash donation this year rather than have to shop for a toy,

Throughout November, both Tesco stores at Cuckko Bridge and The Peel Centre have collection tubs –which would usually hold the Bags of Help blue tokens – where the public can make a cash or cheque donation.

Every little really will help.

Alternatively, you can make a cash donation into our bank account at the Bank of Scotland in Dumfries either in branch or online via your own bank or building society.

The Standard Toy Appeal account number is 10856666 and the sort code is 80-22-60.

We are also in need of donations of toys, sweet treats and gift vouchers for babies right through to teenagers in Dumfriesshire, referred to us
by agencies.

Anything that you can donate will be a huge help as we face an
uphill challenge because of the pandemic.

A lot of places that normally give to us are closed, people are not in their workplaces and organisations or groups of previous supporters have not been meeting.

Our own offices are closed and we are all working from home.

However, we are carrying on with some changes and plenty of safety measures.

It is essential this year to make sure:

■ No secondhand toys

■ Toys must be new, unused and sealed, boxed or tagged

■ Please do not wrap toys in Christmas paper

We have five collection points where toys can be dropped off during the few weeks.

They are the Morrisons supermarket in Dumfries, Tesco Extra at Cuckoo Bridge, and Tesco at the Peel Centre which have designated collection points in store.

And, Marks and Spencer has a collection point at the Christmas tree near the coffee shop which has our special tags on.

Please pick one from the branches, buy an appropriate gift for the child on it, and leave in the baskets.

The Dumfries Nationwide branch is also taking part again and toys can be handed in between 9am and 2pm Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, and from 10am to 2pm on Wednesdays.

■ Please get in touch if you are an organisation group or business with donations and we’d welcome any photographs of yourselves with toys or cheques for the appeal.

For any queries email: sharon.liptrott@reachplc.com or call 07917516142.