Last chance to back Observer's 'Give A Gift Appeal'

Dec 14 2011 by Kaiya Marjoribanks, Stirling Observer Wednesday

TIME is running out to Give A Gift.

Stirling Observer readers have shown their usual generosity by donating toys and gifts for our annual appeal.

And anyone who has not already done so can still hand their gifts in to any of the several drop-off points across the area.

Even before the appeal was launched readers began handing in donations at our offices at 34 Upper Craigs in Stirling.

Since 2008 disadvantaged children in the Stirling area have opened almost 2000 presents every Christmas morning thanks to the appeal.

And this year should hopefully be no different.

Charities and causes such as Stirling Women’s Aid, Home-Start Stirling, Stirling Council’s Children’s Services, Young Carers, FVRH Children’s Ward and more, have been able to distribute the gifts to sick, needy and disadvantaged youngsters from babies to 15-year-olds.

Items should be left unwrapped to allow the gifts to be matched to individual children where possible.

Home-Start Stirling has been operating locally since 2000, providing support, friendship and practical help to parents with young children when they are going through a difficult or challenging time, for example post-natal depression, a death in the family or multiple births.

Senior co-ordinator of Home-Start Stirling, Rachel Cameron, said: “ I would just like to say on behalf on Home-Start Stirling, thank you very much! The families do appreciate the gifts as this can be a very difficult time of year both financially and emotionally and even that little bit extra makes all the difference sometimes.”

A spokesperson for Stirling Women’s Aid meanwhile said any gifts would once again be much appreciated by the women and children who will be spending this Christmas at the local refuge.

Observer regional editor Alison Lowson said: “We are hoping to distribute the gifts to the various charities and good causes at the beginning of next week to allow them time to liaise with Santa to help deliver the gifts, so if any readers still have gifts they would like to hand by 5pm on Friday they will be very much appreciated.

“As well as toys for younger children, gifts for older children and teenagers are also always needed.

“This has been a very tough year for many people, but none more so than for those children who are the inspiration for this appeal. If we can all get together to make things a little easier for them and their families then it is well worth doing.

“It never fails to amaze us the generosity of the people who support the appeal – everyone from people with families themselves to pensioners. There are often some incredibly thoughtful gifts handed in and that thoughtfulness and regard for others is really what this appeal is all about.

“The Observer is always proud to be at the heart of the Stirling community, but never more so than at this time of year when the very best in our readers is so much in evidence.”

Anyone who would like further information, or any charities who still need to get in touch, can telephone the Stirling Observer office on (01786) 451110 or 459417.

DROP-OFF POINTS

STIRLING: Stirling Observer, 34 Upper Craigs;

BALFRON: Balfron Library;

BANNOCKBURN: B Post Office;

BRIDGE OF ALLAN: Tree House, Henderson Street;

CALLANDER: Paeony Gifts and Cards, Main Street;

DOUNE: Woodside Pharmacy, Main Street.

DUNBLANE: Beech Tree Cafe, Beech Road.