Christmas toy and food appeal off to fantastic start
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OUR Christmas toy and food appeal has got off to a great start.
Just two weeks since the Moray and Grampian group of newspapers launched its annual appeal, the donations have been flooding in, with toys, toiletries, non-perishable food items and cash donations.
This year the appeal is in conjunction with the St Giles Centre's giving tree, and the joint appeal is set to help more people than ever before.
The centre will act as an additional collection point for donations over the next five weeks.
As always, referrals for support from the appeal will come from the social work department of Moray Council, meaning that some of the neediest individuals and families will get a little extra help this Christmas.
Many youngsters and pensioners who might otherwise face an unnecessarily gloomy festive period, will be reminded of the warmth of human spirit that exists in Moray thanks to donations from our readers and customers of the St Giles Centre.
Steve Young, centre manager, said: "Our customers always respond so generously at this time of year and I am sure they will do so again. We are delighted to be joining forces with the Moray and Grampian newspaper group."
And Joe Millican, joint content editor for the newspaper group, added: "We are looking forward to our festive appeal so much and would encourage everyone to consider buying one extra present when they are doing their Christmas shopping. That would make all the difference."
To celebrate the partnership with the St Giles Centre, staff from the Moray and Grampian newspaper group will be hosting a special Christmas appeal collection point in the former Dorothy Jack store in the centre, next to Santa's Grotto, on Saturday, November 23 from 10am to 4pm.
Scotty the newshound, our children's mascot, will be making a guest appearance during the day.
That is the day when Elgin gets into the spirit of the season with the town's Christmas lights being switched on later that afternoon.
So, if you are up town that day and are keen to support our appeal, pop into the St Giles Centre and say hello to our team at any time and hand in your donation. Thank you.
