Wishaw church and community group launch toy appeal to help families struggling this Christmas

A church and community group in Wishaw have come together to launch a toy appeal, aiming to support families facing struggles this Christmas. Pathway Church in Wishaw has joined forces with MADE4U IN ML2 for their annual community Christmas Toy Drive since 2021, with the goal of assisting children in the ML2 area. This year, amidst a deepening cost-of-living crisis, they are aiming to provide even more toys to families in need.

Gillian Davie, a volunteer from the church, expressed gratitude for the local donors who have already helped over 1170 children by the end of 2023. The Christmas Toy Drive offers age-appropriate toys, gifts, and selection boxes to children, working closely with local schools and services for referrals to reach those most in need. With the increasing cost of living, it is anticipated that requests for support will exceed the previous year’s figure of 534.

Acknowledging the financial strain many families face, Gillian highlighted the importance of community support. Contributions such as new toys, financial donations, selection boxes, gifts from the Amazon gift list, and gift cards for older children and teenagers are all welcomed. The initiative aims to alleviate some of the pressures that families experience during the festive season when heating homes and providing for celebrations can be particularly challenging.

Apart from the toy appeal, the Sparkle and Shine project operated by the church opens a shop offering pre-loved party outfits, Christmas jumpers, and other clothing items to support families. This additional resource has benefited over 600 children since its inception in 2021. Donations of pre-loved clothes are accepted throughout the year, emphasizing a sustainable and community-focused approach to giving.

To facilitate donations, two drop-off locations have been designated at the Pathway Church Hub in King Street and the MADE4U premises on Greenfield Drive. For those unable to visit in person, contributions can also be arranged by contacting Hazel or Gillian via email or Facebook. The deadline for donations is Friday, November 29, ensuring that support reaches families in time for the Christmas season.

In summary, the collaborative efforts of Pathway Church and MADE4U IN ML2 exemplify the spirit of community support and goodwill during challenging times. By providing tangible assistance to families in need through toy donations and clothing resources, they are making a meaningful difference in the lives of children and caregivers facing financial hardships this Christmas.