An appeal for toys and gifts for families struggling to afford presents has been launched.

The council, in conjunction with Voluntary Action North Lanarkshire and local community groups, are calling for donations of new or ‘as new’ toys and gifts, suitable from tots to teenagers.

The much-needed gifts will assist families who find the festive season challenging, as part of a nine-stop giveaway tour across the region.

Last year, around 600 families and 1500 children across North Lanarkshire benefited from thousands of donations received through the appeal.

Co-ordinated events will take place from late November and early December in Craigneuk, Motherwell, Shotts and Wishaw.

The council’s deputy leader Paul Kelly, pictured, said: “Once again we’re looking for help to spread the true spirit of Christmas with our ‘Give a Festive Gift’ appeal following the overwhelming support from communities last year.

“When most people look forward to fun-filled days at Christmas, for others the strain of the festive season can be a time of real pressure and hardship, with some families in North Lanarkshire struggling to afford presents.

“We are asking for your help by donating unwrapped new or ‘as-new’ gifts and toys that are suitable for children and young people – from tots to teenagers. Please do what you can to help make our
young people smile this year by giving a festive gift.”

The public are encouraged to donate toys and gifts such as board games, character and superhero toys, toy cars, bikes, scooters, dolls and video games.

The appeal team will be separating donations into age groups from babies, toddlers, children and teenagers.

Donations for teenagers are particularly appreciated, such as new toiletries, make-up or hair products.

For safety reasons electrical or battery goods or fidget spinners can’t be accepted.

Donaters in Shotts can drop off their gifts with the Springhill Community Group in Knoll Croft Road on Friday, November 30, from 3pm to 7pm. The giveaway will be on Saturday, December 1, from 11am to 2pm.

In Wishaw, Centrepoint in Gowkthrapple, welcomes donations on December 1 from 3pm to 7pm with the giveaway the following day from 11am to 3pm.

Over in Craigneuk, St Patrick’s Church will accept gifts on Friday, December 7, from 3pm to 7pm with the giveaway the next day between 11am and 2pm.

Finally, Forgewood Community Centre is the venue in Motherwell with donations being accepted on December 8 from 3pm to 7pm with the giveaway on December 9 from 11am to 3pm.

Donations can also be dropped off at special deposit bins in Semi Chem and Scotmid stores in North Lanarkshire.