Help us to help needy children

Dec 4 2008 by Shirley Bartynek, Hamilton Advertiser

Help us to help needy children

WITH just three weeks left to Christmas, we are urging readers to get behind the Advertiser Toy Appeal for needy children.

We have already received stacks of toys but we need your help to make this appeal the most successful to date.

The appeal, organised in partnership with Hamilton Volunteer Group, has been running successfully for years and aims to help underprivileged children in the Hamilton area during the festive season.

Due to bereavement and often tragic personal circumstances, many children find themselves facing a bleak Christmas, and this appeal gives them the chance to have presents that parents or guardians are often unable to provide.

Hamilton Volunteer Group are urging people to also send in items that would be more suitable for teenagers, as they often struggle to find gifts to suit this age group.

Local businesses have also been asked to provide the group with any left-over stock items such as make-up, DVDs, videos, electronic gadgets, belts, handbags and sports goods.

As well as that, the appeal is also looking to receive toys that are in new, or very good condition, as well as donations of money to buy presents.

Gordon Young, president of the Volunteer Group, said: “Physical and mental abuse still happens all over and there are still too many Lanarkshire children who need our support.

“And that is where the people of Hamilton and all the surrounding areas come in.

“Any new toys or toys that have not been used would be more than welcome to help us in our annual appeal.

“Every year we cater for around 400-plus children and without the generosity of local people, this would not be possible.”

If you would like to make a difference this Christmas, you can help the appeal by handing donations of cash, cheques or toys to the Hamilton Advertiser Editorial Dept., Press Buildings, Campbell Street, Hamilton.

Hamilton Volunteer Group are also accepting cash donations.

Our offices are open weekdays between 9am and 5pm. Contact Gordon Young of the Volunteer Group on 01698 891755.