HERE at the Advertiser, we believe that every child deserves a gift this Christmas and that’s why we’ve teamed up with a number of local businesses and the Gate Foodbank for our annual Christmas Toy Appeal.

Our campaign last year was hugely successful and we are asking readers to once again donate what they can to our toy appeal and help ensure no child in Clacks goes without a gift this Christmas.

We will be including a gift bag with copies of the Advertiser on Wednesday, November 27 and we are asking readers to purchase a small gift to donate and drop off at The Gate’s headquarters on 2 Ludgate, Alloa, FK10 1DS.

The Advertiser spoke with Jay-Anne McLaughlin, foodbank development coordinator with The Gate, to discuss the appeal and what they’re looking for.

Jay-Anne said: “The appeal worked really well last year, we got loads of people in so we’re looking for new toys this year to give out for Christmas.

“It’s so important and people are so generous, every year we think people can’t be any more generous but the amount of support that the community provide is so heartwarming.

“We’re looking for new toys for all age groups, a real split between boys and girls.

“We get lots of things for babies so if possible, people could hand in toiletries and things for teenagers as well.

“We have lots of teenagers that come in to collect food parcels for their parents so it’d be nice to think about the teenagers as well as younger people.”

The teams at Allanwater Homes, Foz Sports, Little Stars Nursery, Affinity Sterling Mills and Carpet Gallery have kindly stepped up to support this year’s appeal.

Allanwater Homes

A spokesperson said: “With our Oaktree Gardens development in Alloa now onto its ninth phase, and a new showhome recently opened, we continue to have an active presence in the town, with plenty more high quality, lower carbon footprint homes, to build. Following our support of the Alloa Advertiser Christmas toys appeal last year, it was a given that we will do it again this year.

Local sponsorship is really important to us, and we continue to support the Vixens Women’s Rugby Club, along with Alloa Saints FC.

We once again wish the appeal all the very best, and are sure that the generous people of the Hillfoots will get wholeheartedly behind it to ensure that disadvantaged children throughout the area will have gifts to open on Christmas Day.”

Foz Sports

A spokesperson said: “Foz sports are very happy to help with the appeal for the Alloa Advertiser 2024 Toy Donation Appeal.  Due to Foz sports being a family owned business in the local area we appreciate that times have been exceptionally hard just now with the current cost of living crisis. David Forster the managing director has grown up in the Clackmannanshire area from a young age.  He hopes that between the local business and local people we can all come together to help families and individuals that are struggling at these hard times.”

Little Stars Nursery

A spokesperson said: “Little stars Nursery in Alloa is once again supporting the Alloa Advertiser Xmas Toy Appeal with help and support from our wonderful staff and parents and grandparents. This cause is close to our hearts and we would not want any child to go without a Xmas gift .We will be working extra hard this year in supporting the appeal as we all face the rising costs of energy and increased cost of living.”

Affinity Sterling Mills

Nicola Martin, centre manager at Affinity Sterling Mills, said: “Affinity Sterling Mills is thrilled to support the Alloa Advertiser Christmas Toy Appeal. Our shopping centre is dedicated to helping local families, and we take pride in offering free family entertainment all year-round. By collaborating with the Toy Appeal, we aim to spread joy and happiness to those experiencing tough times this Christmas. We hope that, through generous donations, every child will find a present waiting for them this Christmas.

This festive season, Affinity Sterling Mills is excited to spread some holiday cheer with our Santa’s Grotto, open every weekend in December. This is completely free of charge and every child will receive a gift. Join us for Elf School, where you can come as yourself and leave as an Elf! Additionally, our Christmas Market Street will be happening on December 21st and 22nd, from 10 AM to 4 PM.”

Carpet Gallery

A spokesperson said: “Carpet Gallery has been in Alloa since the mid-70s and have supported lots of things in the past.

“I chose the Toy Appeal because, being a family business and having grandchildren around, it’s import that they get a good Christmas.

“It doesn’t matter where they are from or what their background is and if we can help other children enjoy Christmas, then that is the way to go.”