Toy appeal praise volunteers’ Christmas spirit

Dec 23 2010 by Alistair Watson, West Lothian Courier

KIND-hearted Army volunteers have spent a week making sure needy children in West Lothian receive presents this Christmas.

Members of the recruiting teams from the Regiment of Scotland and the Scots Guards, and 153 Field Company Territorial Army, took to the streets of the county last week to make sure the West Lothian Toy Appeal was a success.

The Toy Appeal collects good quality, used toys donated by the people of West Lothian, along with money and playthings for children from churches, schools and businesses.

This year, after receiving referrals from health visitors, homeless units and social workers, children’s charity River Kids organised the buying, packing and delivering of gifts to over 430 families, which meant more than 1000 children.

Staff from Quintiles, along with River Kids charity coordinator Wendy Simpson and service-users from an access to employment scheme, helped collect toys and sort them into age-appropriate groupings and then members of the Army helped deliver the toys.

The Army volunteers had been due to help out the previous week but the severe winter weather prevented them from reaching their targets.

But thanks to a fantastic effort last week they quickly made up for lost time.

Staff Sergeant Gary Rieley said: “It’s the first year I’ve been involved, but the Army has been helping with the Toy Appeal for a few years.

“We are more than happy to help as much as we can.

“We’ve had about 20 guys here helping out with seven vehicles.

“It’s been really enjoyable and it’s great to help the community out, especially at this time of year.”

River kids coordinator Wendy praised the hard work of the volunteers.

She said: “The Army have done a fantastic job and finished the task ahead of schedule – which shows how well they did.

“We’ve had a fantastic response to the appeal and we really appreciate the support we have had.

“I’d like to thank Persimmon homes, Spence Insurance, DHL Livingston, Danwood Scotland, HMRC in Livingston and Bathgate, West Lothian College, Asda, Sky, Jabil, all the primary schools in West Lothian and everyone who cleared their attic and donated toys for the appeal.

“Also Voluntary Sector Gateway West Lothian for entrusting us with the appeal.

“West Lothian Council have been phenomenal and they gave us all the bags we needed for the deliveries.”

Each year this appeal relies on an army of volunteers to collect gifts and distribute them to the community and volunteers say it’s not just Christmas presents they are delivering, but a symbol of how much local people care.

Bombardier Chris Gillespie, from Livingston, said he was happy to help out.

“It was a break from the norm for us and it was good to help kids from my area,” Bombardier Gillespie said.