A LIFELINE foodbank says toy donations will make an “unbelievable” difference to the vulnerable families who will benefit.

West Dunbartonshire Community Foodshare has partnered with the Glasgow Times as part of the Bank on Us toy appeal.

The award-winning charity started collecting new toys, gifts and selection packs for young people aged 0 to 17 last month.

Glasgow Times:

Clair Coyle, manager, said: “Our referrals for our toy bank just went over 1100. Any donations will help these families immensely.

“Our criteria for signing up to the toy bank is tight. We provide support to children who will otherwise wake up to nothing on Christmas morning – it’s the community’s most vulnerable families we’re supporting and the difference it makes to them is just unbelievable because otherwise, the children will not be getting a visit from Santa Claus.

“It’s really sad that this is what’s going on. The levels of poverty are just horrific.”

Glasgow Times:

Last year, with the support of the local community, the foodshare was able to provide Christmas gifts and toys to 965 children who would otherwise have received no gifts.

Food support and gas and electric support is also provided by the charity.

Clair added: “At the moment, we’ve got lots and lots of families that are struggling really badly.

“Leading up to Christmas we’ll be providing extra food parcels – more than what we normally put out each week.

“We just bought 280 steak pies from the local butchers. They’ll be going out for New Years dinners.

“We’ve also got a fuel poverty project so we’re able to help with gas and electric top-up metres.

“And obviously our toy bank so we’ve got a lot of support in place for families over Christmas and New Year.”

Glasgow Times:

To hand in donations, visit Unit 21, Leven Valley Enterprise Centre, Castlehill Road, Dumbarton, G82 5BN, from Tuesday to Friday between 9am-4pm.

Or to make a cash donation to the Glasgow Times Bank on Us GoFundMe page, which will then be used to buy a child a present on your behalf, please click here.

Clair added: “It’s a very worthwhile cause. We are supporting the areas most vulnerable children.

“We’re really thankful for any support that anybody’s able to offer and we’re really thankful for the support we do get, not just at Christmas, but all year.”