Young and old back Express Christmas Toy Appeal

Dec 13 2011 by Lynn Jolly, Paisley Daily Express

toy appeal

GENEROUS people of all ages have thrown their weight behind the annual Paisley Daily Express Christmas Toy Appeal – and there is still time for you to do your bit.

Every year, big-hearted Express readers dig deep in the name of Christmas spirit to bring some festive cheer to those in our communities who need a helping hand.

And the appeal is always kicked off by the team at whisky firm William Grant & Sons, who hand in bags of toys that are passed on to our friends at the Salvation Army, in Paisley, for distribution to needy families.

So far the ladies at the Friendly Hour club at Stow Brae Kirk, Paisley, have collected gifts while little ones at Oakshaw Trinity Church Sunday School, also in Paisley, have made a donation.

Mary Collie, of the Friendly Hour, said: “We run a charity day where people are asked to bring in something for £1. We then sell raffle tickets to raise money.

“Previously, we have given the money to Mary’s Meals and Erskine but, because of the economic climate, we decided to give it to the Express appeal this year.

“We used the money from the charity day to buy toys and some of the ladies also brought extra ones in.”

The Friendly Hour meets in the church hall, in Stow Brae, every Tuesday from 2pm until 3.30pm and new members are welcome.

The Sunday School has about 40 children and co-ordinator Janice McCallum said: “The children do understand where the gifts are going because it is explained to them.

“The children had their gift service on November 27 and we hope you can make good use of them in your appeal.”

Toys are distributed by our friends at the Salvation Army and Major Mike Loveridge is holding a special registration day for people who would like to receive gifts for their family.

This is being held at the Salvation Army, 3 Mill Street, Paisley, on Friday, December 16. Ahead of this, you must pick up a registration form at the Express office, 14 New Street, Paisley, or from the Salvation Army at the above address.

On December 16 you must take your registration form, with identification that proves who you and your children are, to 3 Mill Street between 10.30am and 3.30pm.

Remember, toys, gifts and games for boys and girls of all ages are needed and you can hand donations in at the two addresses above.