Forres Thistle support Moray and Grampian Christmas Toy and Food Appeal
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
PLAYERS and management staff at Forres Thistle have donated generously to this year's Moray and Grampian Christmas Toy and Food Appeal.
The appeal – run by The Northern Scot and sister titles – aims to ensure that nobody in Moray goes without a present this festive period.
All of Thistle's players brought a gift to training on Tuesday night, with the presents to be handed over to appeal partner Moray Council for pre-Christmas distribution at the end of this week.
It was Jags manager Tony Ross who came up with the idea of supporting the appeal.
He said: "We wanted to do something for the community. I mentioned to the club, players and committee, that I wanted to do this and they were all keen too.
"The committee brought gifts to our match on Saturday and the players to training on Tuesday. The whole club got behind it.
"I heard a story last Christmas about a woman who has two kids – a similar age to mine at five and seven – and was struggling to afford to get them anything on Christmas Day and that hit home.
"I'm fortunate to be able to give my children something but not everybody in same boat, so if we can help families then that's great.
"It was good that the guys got on board with the appeal. A big thanks to everyone who donated – it was good to see a bit of Christmas spirit."
In addition, Keith Builders Merchants, who assistant manager Lee Davidson and a few of the players work for, donated £150 to the appeal.
There is still time to join Forres Thistle in donating to the appeal before it ends on Friday, December 17.
Donations of toys, toiletries, non-perishable food and money will be accepted at drop-off points across Moray until the end of the week.
In addition, last-minute donations will be accepted at an event St Giles Shopping Centre in Elgin on Friday, between 10am and 2pm.
This "thank-you event" will see those who have donated offered a mince pie, mulled wine and chocolate.
Referrals for support from the toy appeal come through Moray Council, with social work, GPs and schools putting forward names of individuals and families who would benefit from a festive boost.
Last year's appeal helped more than 300 people in Moray.
MORE: The Moray and Grampian Toy and Food Appeal
Cantare Choir donates to appeal
