KIND-HEARTED residents, businesses and organisations across North Ayrshire are being asked to help make this Christmas a special one for families less fortunate.

The message comes as North Ayrshire Council launches its Christmas Gift Appeal 2021 to support local families.

The Christmas Gift Appeal will run up to Friday, December 10 with its aim to give gifts to children who, for a range of reasons, are not able to experience the type of Christmas that many of us take for granted.

North Ayrshire’s Health and Social Care Partnership will identify those in greatest need of support.

Items are being sought for all ages, including:toys (children); books (all ages); high street vouchers (teenagers); Christmas treats; supermarket vouchers (parents/carers).

Donations can be dropped off at any local library during their regular opening hours.

All gifts will be redistributed in the local area and any donations of Christmas treats such as selection boxes, sweets and tins of chocolate, will be sent to North Ayrshire Foodbank for inclusion in their Christmas Hampers.

Donated items should be new, unopened and unwrapped, so that council staff can determine the most suitable age group to receive the gift.

The appeal was first launched by the Council and Health and Social Care Partnership in 2020. The generosity of the local community helped over 750 of North Ayrshire’s most vulnerable children have a special Christmas last year.

Provost Ian Clarkson said: “We know that many families across our communities are struggling financially, now more than ever due to the challenges faced over the past year. And with Christmas just around the corner, this can turn what should be a joyous occasion in to a stressful one for those parents and carers trying to make ends meet.

“We launched our Christmas Gift Appeal last year and were absolutely blown away by the generosity of our communities. That’s why we have brought the appeal back for 2021 and are calling on our residents and businesses to spare a thought for those less fortunate and, where possible, donate to the appeal.

“Each contribution will go a long way in making a real difference to someone’s Christmas who otherwise may receive very little.”