Castlepark Communtiy Centre's annual Christmas wish tree has been erected earlier than usual as organisers fear the cost-of-living crisis will impact more families than before.
The wish tree - which is now in its fifth year - is a heartwarming Christmas fundraiser which sees selfless donors gift underprivileged kids in the Irvine community with the specific toy they have asked Santa for.
Organiser Sally McIntyre decided to get a head start on this year's unique toy appeal following the news more families will be driven into food insecurity and fuel poverty with the spiralling cost-of-living crisis.
She said: "We decided to put the tree up earlier this year because of the way things are with the cost of living. I think it'll be harder for families this year than ever before to manage this Christmas.
"The tree is definitely needed more than ever before. It's a really scary. We've already started getting the wishes in. I've put 12 tags up so far.
"It seems we get more and more tags every year but this year I think will be the busiest because of how hard families are hit with the fuel costs alone.
"It's a really scary time for everyone just now but we're hopeful we'll still get a lot of selfless donations to help make Christmas day really special for a wee one with the present they asked Santa for."
Those looking to give back this year can pop along to the centre between 9am and 5.30pm.
Parents and carers of wish tree children will pick up the gifts the week of Christmas.
The Christmas wish tree is not limited to youngsters and teenage wishes will also be accepted.
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