PARENTS and carers who have been assisted by the Glasgow Times toy bank appeal have been "moved to tears" after generous donations helped save their Christmas.

After a difficult year, which saw families across the city cope with job loss, financial crisis and bereavement, more people than ever before have turned to charities and schools for support this festive season.

After the support of Glasgow Times readers, St Catherine's Primary was able to provide every child in the school with a gift under their tree this year.

Last week headteacher Michelle Wright, who set out to take some of pressure off parents by setting up her own secret toy drive, contacted parents to share the happy news.

She said: "We are overwhelmed with the support we have received, and the parents and carers of our most vulnerable children have been moved to tears when I have contacted them to say we are able to help this year.

"We have been able to give every child in our school a gift for under the Christmas tree.

"After a year where so many of our families have been affected by illness, bereavement and poverty to be able to give everyone something to smile about this Christmas means the absolute world.

"I must admit a shed a few tears myself, it has been an emotional time this Christmas, trying to give the children the best possible time in such challenging times."

Hundreds of gifts have been delivered to schools, toy banks and charities throughout Glasgow and the west of Scotland as part of the Bank on Us campaign.

Last week, our partners Storage Vault delivered toy drops to Riverside Primary in Govan as well as the East End based school.

While Greater Easterhouse Supporting Hands (GESH) also received a batch of toys.

A spokeswoman for the charity said: “We would like to pass on our sincere gratitude on behalf of GESH and the community for the very generous and much appreciated donation of toys.

"We have started to give out the toys to the community and have contacted local schools, chapels, churches and our local councillor Maureen Burke for names of families struggling.

"We are giving the families food and selection boxes with the toys, even Maureen is helping with deliveries.

She added:"I just wanted to say a big thanks to all at the Glasgow Times for the hard work and to say it is appreciated.”

Last week, more than £10,000 worth of toys was purchased for children across Glasgow.

The final deliveries of gifts will take place this week ahead of December 25.