Thousands of toys have been going to families in need for Christmas thanks to the tireless work of a Glasgow charity - who admitted it has been one of their toughest years ever.
The generosity of people in such tough times was repeatedly demonstrated, as every time charity founder Audrey Dempsey feared she wouldn’t have enough toys for Christmas this year, the phone would ring and another kind donor would step in.
Labour Councillor Dempsey, who represents the Springburn/Robroyston ward, needed 12,000 toys to distribute to families as part of its Christmas appeal at Glasgow’s No1 Baby and Family Support Service.
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The mum who runs the Barmulloch-based organisation said it has been “a real struggle” with people unable to afford to donate as much as previously.
Councillor Dempsey said: “It has been a really tough one this year. It has been an emotional roller coaster. There were times when I thought: ‘we are not going to pull this off.’ You run out but then someone phones and says they have a toy collection. It is great how it all comes together.”
Five different toys are chosen for special reasons go to each child along with a jacket. The team managed to collect all that was needed and were preparing to send out packs to families in time for the big day.
With 2,045 referrals, councillor Dempsey said there were fewer coats donated than previous years as people couldn’t afford to part with them.
She said half of the mums and dads using the Christmas appeal this season are working with many in full-time employment. In previous years it was generally people on benefits.
Councillor Dempsey said: “That shows the level of in-work poverty. They have more going out than coming in. Psychologically it is very hard to deal with. They are putting in the effort, keeping the economy going, sacrificing time away from their family and have to rely on charity to make ends meet.”
Some huge boosts for the team included band Skerryvore, who recently performed at the Hydro, pledging to donate a contribution from their merchandise sales. The organisation is also buoyed by volunteers who gave up their time including women from Vanilla Salon who lend a hand on Mondays - their day off work.
The help is needed now more than ever. As well as the Christmas Appeal - which runs throughout the entire year - the service supplies essentials for families in need in the city, giving out clothes, toiletries, shoes and other items.
For the first time ever the team have also been handing out vouchers to help with fuel poverty, made possible thanks to donations. They have recently aided a pensioner without heating for two days and a young mum stuck without electricity.
Commenting on the cost of living crisis, councillor Dempsey said: “I genuinely don’t think people realise what lies ahead of us next year. Poverty will be on the rise and mental health issues. The third sector need to pull together as a powerhouse of support. But I have no doubt if we do it right we can get people through this.
“Without the third sector I dread to think what it would be like. It is going to be the third sector that is going to get us through the cost of living crisis.
“There is no big reward for this kind of thing other than peace of mind that you know you are doing your best for someone.”
And she has made a plea for residents not to suffer without asking for assistance.
Councillor Dempsey said: “The message we need to get out there is there is no shame in asking for help.
“We encourage anyone to come forward.”
The service can be contacted through its Facebook page at www.facebook.com/gnonebank.
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