This year’s Hamilton Advertiser toy appeal is in full swing – and we are asking for the help of generous local residents to make it a happy Christmas for youngsters across the area.
Donations are already arriving at collection points across the town, including the Salvation Army warehouse at New Park Street and at the town’s branch of Asda, ready to be distributed in time to be placed under trees this festive season.
Our appeal has now been running for more than a decade and has seen thousands of gifts generously donated by big-hearted locals, with an incredible 1300 gifts handed over last year alone.
We are again asking for the support of the Hamilton Advertiser community to donate new, unused and unwrapped gifts for children aged from birth to 18, which will then be distributed with the help of South Lanarkshire Council’s social workers plus local charities and good causes.
Donations can range from toys, dolls, fancy dress outfits and games suitable for younger children through to cosmetics, handbags and gift vouchers for older teens, as well as all kinds of popular presents including footballs, sweets, pyjamas and even gift vouchers.
All items need to be donated and delivered by Monday, December 9, to the Salvation Army hall at Burnblea Street in Hamilton, where dozens of volunteers will sort the items into age categories to be collected for distribution.
Hamilton Salvation Army captain Wendy Leisk told how their premises are taken over by the hundreds of donated toys and gifts throughout December, and says participation in annual appeal is the “highlight of Christmas” for the many volunteers who queue up to lend a hand.
She said: “Everybody wants to come in and help when it’s time to sort all the donations! They work like trojans and it’s amazing to see all the items which are donated for Christmas, and once they’re all laid out all round the room they can be collected by the social workers who will get them to local children.
“The room is full from floor to ceiling with all the donations handed in at shops and different places across the town, and with lots of local churches holding toy services to collect for the appeal.
“It’s well established and a great thing to be part of; it really makes Christmas and all the volunteers love it. The generosity in this area is wonderful and just amazing.”
Toy appeal co-ordinator Leona Greenan said: “Every year is a massive challenge for our team, and we’re well aware that the economic crisis with prices through the roof will have an effect on families this Christmas, but we’re adamant that we will not let the children down.”
Donations can also be handed in to Mecca bingo in Hamilton and to Rocca restaurant on Cadzow Street – where special Frozen and Taylor Swift-themed fundraisers are taking place in the next few weeks to raise funds to boost the appeal.
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