Organisers of a festive toy appeal which brings seasonal joy to children across West Lothian have praised people from across the area for their generosity, writes Stewart McConnell.
But charity River Kids, which runs the West Lothian Christmas Toy Appeal, admitted more and more families have been in need of support as they struggle to make ends meet.
Appeal organiser Jack Christine has been humbled by the support after the venture closed a week past on Friday, with more than 700 families set to benefit.
Jack said: “We are more than happy with the response from the West Lothian community, who are really good to us and go over and above to help at every opportunity.
“Our referrals are sadly up again this year. We get them from the Social Work Department, health workers, the homeless unit, the sexual abuse team and teachers as well.
“We’ve noticed a lot of people in employment referred to us. Mum and dad are working but they struggle. Families who were just on the borderline are now struggling.
“They want to give their kids something at Christmas time but they are struggling to make ends meet and we are more than happy to help.”
He added: “Since we put the appeal out, people’s generosity never disappoints.
“We asked for everything and items included dolls for younger ones, dolls, tractors and some more modern toys. Teenagers want things like ear pods.
“We have given out 2500 bags each containing eight items, so you are looking about 20,000 items which is great.”
There were some 17 collection points hosted by companies throughout West Lothian and other companies organised staff donations.
Thanks go to all of them for their generous backing.
Hannah Bardell MP also recently took time out to talk to Christmas Toy Appeal organisers.
Jack added: “She seemed really interested and spent an hour with us to find more about the service.”
The West Lothian Toy Appeal was launched in 2004 and since then has provided toys for more than 69,000 children.
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