A TOY bank who partnered with the Glasgow Times gift appeal has offered its support to spread Christmas cheer across East Dunbartonshire.

Glasgow’s Spirit of Christmas (GSOC) aided a collection drive by East Dunbartonshire Council - just days after hundreds of pounds worth of gifts were delivered as part of the Bank on Us campaign - to ensure gifts for the area’s most vulnerable residents on December 25.

The council set out on a mission to ensure the area’s most vulnerable would receive a present, food parcel or voucher for fresh produce donated by colleagues and local organisations.

Cultivating Mindfulness, the charity which runs the GSOC drive each year, are just one of a number of supporters who stepped in to help community groups, homeless units, families and individuals.

Joint leader of the council, Councillor Vaughan Moody, said: “Unfortunately, this time of year can be very difficult for some of our local residents and the unprecedented events this year have resulted in even more people facing financial uncertainty.

Read more: Glasgow Times appeal praised for bringing "magic" to children

“This project ensures that everyone can enjoy a little festive cheer after what has been an extremely challenging year.”

The local authority said it received “overwhelming support” from the community, including local businesses and churches, despite strict coronavirus restrictions being in place.

GSOC previously praised Glasgow Times readers for their support and insisted the Bank on Us campaign would help spread Christmas “magic” across the city.

Joint leader of the council, Councillor Andrew Polson, added: “The large number of donations received and offers of support are testament to the goodwill and generosity of local voluntary organisations, businesses, residents and Council employees.

“Our dedicated Social Work Community Support Team has done a fantastic job in organising the collection and delivery of the contributions safely whilst restrictions to manage the pandemic are in place.

“I’d like to thank everyone involved for their efforts in making this Christmas a special time for everyone in East Dunbartonshire.”

GSOC were one of dozen of partners who received hundreds of pounds worth of donations thanks to the Bank on Us toy drive.

This week, the campaign saw a mammoth £10,000 spent on gifts for children across Glasgow and the west who faced waking up without a present under their tree this Christmas.

The Glasgow Times team is to continue carrying out deliveries early next week ahead of the big day, with schools, nurseries, and individual families set to benefit from the appeal.