A West Belfast community has rallied together to ensure that no family in their area will be suffering this Christmas.
In just four weeks, the Glen Community Parent/Youth Group and Lenadoon Women's Group have collected hundreds of toys, for children and teenagers, meat vouchers, heating vouchers and more. And they say without surrounding sports teams, businesses, families and well-known sporting stars, what they have achieved wouldn't have been possible.
At the appeal event on Friday, family support and youth workers said that the response had surpassed all of their expectations.
Read more: West Belfast community's mission to help kids this Christmas
Robert Sands who had coordinated the toy appeal said: "We were blown away by the response to the Appeal, over 200 local children and young people will have a brighter fun-filled Christmas as a result of the generosity of local people. I would like to give a special mention to the coaches and Members of Aquinas FC whose contribution was unbelievable."
Greta Doherty of Lenadoon Women’s Group said that with the huge increase in utility and food costs, many local families and individuals will be struggling. However the donations received will alleviate the stress and pressure that many will be under this winter.
"Even at a time when most people are facing financial hardships, local people, sports clubs and some businesses contributed to the Appeals and we would like to express our gratitude to them," Greta said.
"We want to deliver to as many families. People can come in and choose what they need for their children, and they can go out with dignity, which is more important. Look at what our community has done.
"I know it is terrible what people are going through, but people always have time to help others."
For more information on how you can help the centre, or avail of their support please contact them through here.
The following sports clubs, people and businesses helped with this year's toy appeal in Lenadoon: Aquinas F.C., Hair by Seosi, Sarsfield’s G.A.C., Aulds Dental Laboratory, St Pauls G.A.C., Centra Stewartstown Road, Tullymore Swifts F.C., Gareth Ward/ Una McGurk, Oliver Plunkett F.C., Tommy McCarthy, Donegal Celtic Sports and Social Club, Gibsons Butchers, Glen Parent/Youth Movember Fundraiser, The Locker Room Barbers, Musgrave Park Hospital Staff and Rooneys Shop.
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