Hamilton Advertiser launch Christmas Toy Appeal

Nov 19 2009 by Sandra Walls, Hamilton Advertiser

WITH just five weeks until Christmas, the time has once again arrived for the launch of the Advertiser’s Christmas Appeal for needy children.

The appeal, which has been running for a number of years, delivers presents to under-privileged youngsters in Hamilton and surrounding areas.

We need donations of toys - including games, books, puzzles and dolls etc. - that are new or in excellent condition, and money or store vouchers to help make this Christmas extra-special for needy children.

With the help of Hamilton Volunteer Group, who have been working in Lanarkshire since 1975, we aim to distribute the gifts in time for the big day.

Previous appeals have seen more than 600 county children benefit from toys, gift vouchers and sweets, all donated by generous Advertiser readers.

All donations, however large or small, will be warmly welcomed.

Volunteer Group president Gordon Young said many of the children who benefited from the appeal were referred to them by South Lanarkshire Council’s social work department.

“It is sad in this day and age that children continue to need our help,” said Gordon.

“But it is a very worthwhile appeal and one that I hope people will continue to support.”

If you would like to help the appeal, you can hand in donations of cash, cheques or toys to the Advertiser Office, Press Buildings, Campbell Street, Hamilton.

The office is open Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm.

Anyone wishing to make a donation to this worthy appeal is encouraged to act now, so gifts can be distributed in time for Christmas.

Cheques should be made payable to Hamilton Volunteer Group.

Meanwhile, the Volunteer Group estimated that about 1000 people have written to the council complaining against a proposal to withdraw their £72,000 grant.

The threat to the group’s grant is one of a number of cost-cutting proposals that are being considered by the council as they face up to possible budget cuts of £111m over the next four years.

A final decision on the hard-working group’s grant is not likely to be made until next month.

Gordon Young described support for the group as “unbelievable” and insisted that, regardless of the threat to the their future, this year’s toy appeal would go ahead as normal.