Generous community support for Northern Scot Toy Appeal helps make Christmas Day brighter for 500 families

INCREDIBLE community support for the Northern Scot's Christmas Toy and Food Appeal has helped brighten Christmas for hundreds of Moray children.

The appeal has ensured that around 500 young people across Moray, who might otherwise have gone without, will wake up with presents to open on Christmas Day.

Peter Wilson, of Moray Council, has been involved in collecting donations for the local authority.

"We have put toys out to between 450 and 500 young people all over Moray," he said.

"The biggest family was a family of 17. We have had various agencies from all over come in and various social work departments.

"We are putting what we have left – which is not a lot – up to out-of-hours social work in case there are any last-minute referrals."

While Moray Council distributed all toys, Moray Food Plus distributed all food items.

Partners included Dr Gray's Hospital, Asda Elgin, Tesco Elgin and St Giles' Shopping Centre, all of which acted as donation drop-off points.

Joe Millican, joint content editor of The Northern Scot, thanked all involved for their generosity.

"Hundreds of Moray children will be waking up to a brighter Christmas Day thanks to the kindness of readers and the hard work of all partners involved with the appeal," he said.

"With everyone feeling the pinch this winter, we are eternally grateful to all who donated."

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