A Wishaw church and community group have launched a toy appeal to help families struggling this Christmas.
Since 2021, Pathway Church in Wishaw have partnered with MADE4U IN ML2 on their annual community Christmas Toy Drive to help children in the ML2 area.
And this year it is hoped to provide even more toys to hard-up families as the cost-of-living crisis continues to deepen.
Gillian Davie is one of the church volunteers helping with this year’s appeal.
She said: “With the generous support of local donors we have helped over 1170 children to the end of 2023.
“Our Christmas Toy Drive provides age appropriate toys, gifts and selection boxes.
“We work closely with local schools and other services who provide referrals to ensure the support and resources reach those most in need.
“With the increased cost of living, Christmas this year will be tough for many families.
“We envisage requests for support to exceed the 2023 figure of 534.
“The cost of running this project has increased greatly and we couldn’t do it without the generous support of the community.
“We would be most grateful for any support from individuals or local businesses this year.”
You can help by purchasing new toys, financial donations towards the project, purchasing selection boxes, buying gifts from the Amazon gift list and purchasing gift cards for older children and teenagers.
Gillian added: “To have helped over 500 children last year shows just how much help is needed.
“We were inundated and everything remains very expensive so we expect it to be the same this year.
“People can’t afford to heat their homes at this time of year so Christmas can be a very difficult time.
“We also have our Sparkle and Shine shop which opens this Wednesday. Our Sparkle and Shine project has been running since 2021 and has supported over 600 children.
“We provide pre-loved party outfits, Christmas jumpers and other clothing items such as jackets and nightwear. This support is open to everyone and we also accept donations throughout the year of pre-loved clothes that we recycle.
“We open each year before the Christmas party season begins to allow parents and carers to come along and get organised for their kids parties!
There are two drop-off locations this year. The first is the Pathway Church Hub, Unit 3, 14 King Street, or the MADE4U premises in Greenfield Drive.
Alternatively contact Hazel or Gillian by email at [email protected] or via Facebook by searching for Pathway Church Wishaw. The donation deadline is Friday, November 29.
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