Generous Scots asked to dig deep for Toybank Appeal

Working with Children 1st and Scottish Women’s Aid, the annual Toybank Appeal aims to provide a toy or gift voucher to young people who may otherwise receive nothing.

The initiative, organised by the Glasgow-based Sarwar Foundation, is now in its eighth year and is also being supported by the Professional Footballers’ Association Scotland and its members.

With the coronavirus pandemic continuing to cause hardship and having an impact on those already struggling to get by, this year’s appeal is larger than ever.

In 2019, the campaign extended across Scotland for the first time, with around 1000 toys and vouchers handed out.

The aim is to double that this year, with charities identifying even more families who need help – including children who will spend Christmas in refuge accommodation, having been forced to leave their homes due to domestic abuse.

People can donate directly to the Sarwar Foundation Christmas Toybank Appeal at www.justgiving.com/campaign/christmastoybank2020, with all funds spent on toys or gift vouchers.

Retailers can also donate new toys to the appeal.

Julie Richardson, Children 1st assistant director in Glasgow, said: “Giving a child a happy Christmas is the greatest gift you can give. Your generous support for the Sarwar Foundation will give children and families, who have been stretched to breaking point by this terrible pandemic, some much needed relief and Christmas cheer.

“A huge thank you to everyone who is supporting this year’s Toybank Appeal.”

Anas Sarwar MSP, president of the Sarwar Foundation, said: “There are thousands of children across Scotland who miss out on Christmas and this year is going to be tougher than ever.

“The coronavirus pandemic is having a disproportionate impact on those already struggling so we want this year’s appeal to be larger than ever – because every child deserves a Christmas.”

Donations can be made at www.justgiving.com/campaign/christmastoybank2020.