Children and young people across the Stirling Observer’s circulation area were greeted with toys and gifts from Santa on Christmas morning thanks to our annual Give A Gift Appeal.
And here we feature just some of those who made it possible to put smiles on their faces as 2022 draws to a close.
The team at McLean & Stewart Solicitors in Dunblane pulled out all the stops once again.
Thanks to members of staff and clients they presented a treasure trove of items and gift vouchers to Observer representatives.
Angie Henderson from McLean and Stewart said: “We are delighted to contribute to such a fantastic appeal again this year and hope that Santa is good to all the families out there – Merry Christmas everyone.”
Likewise the generous team at Ogilvie Group presented us with a bumper collection of items.
A spokesperson said: “Every year Ogilvie Group pull together to help support a local appeal. Once again, we were overwhelmed with everyone’s generosity. Within our office there was a great sense of community spirit to help as many children as possible receive a gift for Christmas. The toys were a collection from individual staff members and a kind donation from Ogilvie Group; we pass our thanks to everyone involved.”
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Stirling Albion acted as one of the drop off points this year, but also kindly provided a stall at their Christmas Bonanza Day where fans and members of the Albion team were able to drop off donations to an Observer representative.
Commercial manager Christine Curtis and supporters were faced with flooded premises and wintry conditions the day before the event but spent hours mopping out to ensure the event went ahead.
The Albion family and fans rallied round and people of all ages showed up to donate gifts for the appeal, including Hollie Wilson who brought along some amazing items.
Staff and management of Claire’s Accessories in The Thistles shopping centre are regular donors to the appeal. And yet again presented a wonderful selection of stocking fillers and goodie bags packed with popular items from the store.
Cambusbarron childminder Moira Kerr and the children she cares for once again raised funds with a bake sale in order to buy toys. Moira, who has been a stalwart supporter of the appeal, and her young charges, raised an incredible £330 to buy toys and gifts.
Stirling Council kindly provided a hall, which was vital to accommodate the sorting of the donations and the representatives of the charities and good causes who came along to choose from the many gifts on the collection day.
Staff at Riverside Primary School once again donated items as did the Buchlyvie Primary School community and staff at the office of Scottish Sea Farms Ltd.
Staff at Stirling Dental Care coordinated a collection for the appeal amid their busy schedule.
The congregation of Vineyard Church also had a collection of gifts once again which representatives dropped off at the hall.
A church spokesperson said: “We are praying these gifts will be a blessing to the kids and young people who received them.”
Wild Child Animation and others within the Codebase centre at the Municipal Buildings also rallied round to do their bit by gathering in toys and gifts.
And the team at XPS Pensions Group at Castleview Business Park, loyal supporters of the appeal, once again presented a host of toys.
Appeal coordinator, Observer reporter Kaiya Marjoribanks said: “People from all walks of life and of all ages in Stirling have yet again united in a massive show of community spirit for the appeal.
“Individuals, organisations and businesses from across the Stirling area admirably answered the call to ensure sick, disabled, needy and disadvantaged children and young people right across the Stirling area had a brighter Christmas.
“The Stirling Observer team would like to thank all those who supported the appeal in any way.
“Every year we are taken aback by people’s generosity and the lengths they will go to to donate.
“When things are at their toughest this community shows that remarkable spirit that makes Stirling special. The pandemic years were exceptionally challenging, but faced with the cost of living crisis people who felt able to donate went above and beyond. The scale of the appeal has grown considerably over the years, enabling us to increase the number and reach of good causes who benefit. However, every effort means something - and in fact reminds us all of what’s important.
“We also have pensioners who donate some amazing gifts every year without fail, including some who even hand knit beautiful items, and someone who donated beautiful hand crafted wooden toys.
“Two older donors also handed two trolleys full of toys into one of our collection points.
“It is not just the gifts themselves which make a difference to these children and their families, it is the fact people have gone to the trouble of acknowledging their struggles at what can seem like a particularly isolating time of year for many of them.
“Sadly we know there will always be those who we have been unable to reach, but hopefully showing those who are experiencing challenges that their community does indeed care is a gift in itself – especially at a time when so many people have felt not just physically but also mentally isolated.”
- Look out next week for a focus on some of the drop-off points which have played a pivotal role in the appeal.
