A GLASGOW toybank has ensured children from more than 150 disadvantaged families will wake up to presents under the tree today.
For the past five weeks thousands of donations were organised by volunteers and distributed from the Riverside Hall, in Govan.
The charitable drive resulted in 165 bags being given out to families across Glasgow.
John Beattie, the organiser of the project, said: “It’s been an absolutely huge success - I can’t believe how well it went.”
“Within a five week window volunteers were able to sort out thousands of toys and selection boxes and give them out to those in need.
“I don’t know how people found the time to help out but they did.
“And it’s helped to give kids with presents under the tree to wake up to.
The 34-year-old from Govan said the project was set up due to the rising need of foodbanks in communities.
Given the current financial climate, John expected the toybank would be in great demand this year. However, he was overwhelmed with just how great the need was.
He added: “I knew that demand was going to be high, but even that expectation didn’t prepare me with the amount of referrals that came through.
“The nearby foodbanks were sending us through loads of referrals.
“As well as families in the Govan area we have helped others throughout Glasgow.
“We received a lot of help from organisations - particularly from the South West Foodbank.
“But we are most grateful to the Riverside Hall.
“If it wasn’t for them offering the space do this, there wouldn’t have been a toy bank this year.”
In it’s first year, the Community and Beyond Toy Bank was based in 905 Govan Road with the majority of the donations being second-hand toys.
However, when the same space was booked up this year, the toybank had to find somewhere else to set up operations.
It was not until November 8 that the Riverside Hall in Govan stepped in and provided the space.
Now organisers of the hall have said the project can use the facilities on an annual basis.
Plans are now being set for next Christmas with the date to for receiving donations being set as early as July.
John said: “We are expecting to get busier year on year and we need to make sure we are ready.”
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