THE Glasgow Times is calling on our kind-hearted readers to help save Christmas for tens of thousands of children across the city today.

Recyclable paper Bank on Us bags will be available with each copy of today’s newspaper.

The bags can be filled with newly bought toys and delivered to your nearest participating toy bank – a full list of which can be found below – or pop into our offices on Bath Street or in Cambuslang.

Presents can take the form of essential items, such as bath sets and hair care products, or fun treats, including toys and games.

Gifts for children as young as infants all the way through to teenagers will be accepted.

Our last campaign raised £15,000 and delivered around 100,000 gifts to children across the city.

READ MORE: Glasgow's West End baby bank vows to help families

This year, we hope to create an even bigger and better campaign to spread festive cheer to our young people who have been faced with yet another year separated from friends and disrupted from their education.

Stacey Mullen, assistant editor of the Glasgow Times, said: “Today marks the release of our paper Bank on Us donation bags and we’re hopeful all of our readers will get involved.

“Last year, our toy appeal ensured around 100,000 children woke up with a gift under their tree who would have otherwise gone without.

“It’s been another difficult year and we want to do all we can to help struggling families have a merry Christmas. Please help us save Christmas for Glasgow’s children.”

Unfortunately, the ongoing coronavirus pandemic means toy banks are unable to accept used toys.

Participating toy banks will close for donations at different stages throughout December which is why readers are being urged to check cut off points before dropping off the gifts.

With our very own team of elves, we’ve set out to ensure no child goes without on December 25.

The gifts received will be delivered to charities, nurseries and schools throughout Glasgow to be dispersed to young people in need ahead of the big day.

Every parent can relate to the stress which accompanies the most wonderful time of the year, however, for those facing financial hardship, Christmas can bring a crippling worry.

Last year, families were moved to tears and offered their heartfelt thanks to readers who helped ease the pressure felt at this time of year.

Speaking at the time, Michelle Wright, headteacher at St Catherine’s Primary, said: “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.

READ MORE: Glasgow family charity joins Xmas toy bank appeal

“I must admit I 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.”

The Glasgow Times knows people make this city and we’re adamant that with the help of our readers we can ensure every young person will have a merry Christmas.

Our toy bank drop off points are as follows: West Dunbartonshire Community from Tuesday to Friday between 10am to 4pm at unit 21 Leven Valley Enterprise Centre until December 10; Glasgow’s Spirit of Christmas at 31 Gavinton Street until December 20, for opening times please check the group’s social media; Spirit Aid from Monday to Friday between 10am to 4pm at 50 West Campbell Street until December 22; Refuweegee from Monday to Friday between 10am to 4pm at 1 Cadogan Square; Glasgow’s No1 Baby and Family Support Service from Monday to Friday between 10am to 3pm at 261 Forge Street until December 15; The GK Experience at 759A Argyle Street until December 9, for opening times please check the group’s social media; Baby Bank Scotland on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays between 10am to 4pm at 1 Barrack Street until December 12; Birth, Baby and Beyond between Tuesday and Saturday from 11am to 2pm at 27 Netherton Road until December 18; Home-Start Glasgow South between Monday to Friday from 9am to 4pm at Pollokshaws Burgh Hall until December 10; 3D Drumchapel from Monday to Friday between 9am to 4pm at St Andrew’s Church on Garscadden Road until December 8; and Salvation Army at multiple locations throughout the city, for opening times and exact venues please check the group’s social media pages.

3D Drumchapel staff have urged anyone considering donating to contact them via 0141 944 5740 to ensure staff are on hand to accept the delivery.

The Glasgow Times Bank on Us campaign has been sponsored by Storage Vault, the Emmie Smillie Charity Foundation and the Pandamonium Play Centre.

The Erskine-based Pandamonium Centre will also serve as a drop-off point for those looking to make donations, while Storage Vault will help deliver gifts around the city.

Play centre director Alan Arnott said: “We got involved really just to help out the less fortunate kids.

“We’ve got the play centre and the nursery so, we’ve always dealt in kids – that’s been the business over the last 10 years and it’s just nice to help out.

“We’ve been shut for a year and a half so we’ve really just opened recently and we’re getting back into things. It’s been such a difficult year.

"Everybody’s been a bit flat in general, even the people who can afford to buy Christmas presents so it’s nice to help those who can’t.”