AN EAST End charity has been “helped out a hole” by the Glasgow Times Bank on Us appeal as it struggled to deliver thousands of toys to children across the city.

Glasgow’s No1 Baby and Family Support Service (GN1BFSS) had run out of toys five times will attempting to make deliveries of more than 5,000 gifts for some of the city’s most vulnerable young people.

Thankfully, kind-hearted Glasgow Times readers were on hand with multiple arrivals of donations “by the van-full” to help make sure no child goes without on Christmas day.

Glasgow Times:

Founder Audrey Dempsey said: “We’ve had continuous donations, which has been absolutely brilliant because we’ve run out about five times and just as we’re running out - it’s as if someone is watching over us - the bags arrive by the van-full.

“It’s really helped us out a hole. We’re so grateful for the campaign because our numbers have really went up this year.” 

The charity, like so many others throughout the city, has seen a sharp rise in the need for its services this year as the coronavirus pandemic has resulted in job losses, business closures, bereavements and family breakdowns. 

When the toy delivery operation began four years ago, GN1BFSS delivered 192 parcels. 

This year, it’ll be more than 1,200 with a warm jacket and five age appropriate toys included in every one.

Audrey added: “We put a lot of thought into this. It’s not just five toys thrown in a bag.

“We try to give something they can play with own their own, something for all the family, something to read, something educational, something artsy and a warm jacket.

“When you think about it, it’s more than 5,000 toys so it’s a mammoth task but it’s working. We’re getting through it and we’re on track to meet our deadline.”

The charity has already delivered thousands of parcels to schools, social workers and health visitors as well as housing associations and different council organisations who have lost their support as a result of Covid-19 restrictions.

However, it also caters to around 400 individual families who have self-referred for additional support.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service will help with final deliveries later this week.