A GLASGOW charity has warned this Christmas will be tougher than ever before if the city doesn’t get behind the Toy Bank Appeal.

The GK Experience has urged residents to support the Glasgow Times campaign as some families struggle to prepare for the big day.

With just days to go until the release of our free paper donation bags, the city-centre-based organisation has confirmed it will serve as a drop-off point for those looking to deliver gifts.

Youth worker Jonathan Hutchison said that while the charity won’t be able to offer the same festivities this year as normal, the appeal will help offer some joy for the children and young people it works with.

He said: “Normally we would host an annual Christmas party, which would see roughly about 140 people we support and

volunteers.

“We have a big dinner with live entertainment and every person gets a present. Normally, everyone in the staff knows the child, so we get something specific for them that we know they like.

“We also give family packs with basic essentials and items to wrap presents and that kind of thing, as well as gifts for parents to give to children if needed. This year will look a bit different.”

The charity works with families and young people who are in the lowest 5% of the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation.

As well as the Christmas packs and parties, each year it selects between 20 to 25 families to take on a shopping trip to a nearby supermarket.

Once there, the family can have their weekly shopped paid for in full by staff to set them up for the holidays.

The personal service is key to building long-lasting relationships which help the charity care for its young people, Jason says.

However, with social distancing measures in place and the group’s services stretched thinner than ever before caring for those facing family break-up, job losses and bereavement, the charity is more reliant on toys than ever before to spread a little festive cheer.

Jonathan said: “The restrictions still allow some of our work to go ahead with social distancing measures in place, so we are planning on holding a couple of dinners and we hope we can do as best we can so we can still give everyone a present. We’re hoping to still deliver everything within the next few weeks.

“A lot of our families have experienced break-ups or bereavements so there’s a lot to deal with during these strict restrictions. We appreciate really any support.”

From Friday, the paper bag can be filled with presents for youngsters and delivered to local toy banks, such as the GK Experience. It can also be delivered directly to our corporate sponsors – A1 Toys or Storage Vault – who will be accepting drop-offs on our behalf.

From there, it will be delivered to charities and groups in need across the city.

To donate to GK Experience, contact the group via its website to arrange an appointment.

Collections are also available.