Bank on Us: Glasgow families gifted thousands of Xmas toys

Toy banks across the city have been inundated with thousands of gifts for underprivileged children as part of the Bank on Us campaign.

After Glasgow was rocked by coronavirus and the restrictions which accompany it once more in 2021, residents have shown how resilient the city truly is.

Everything from dolls to lego has been collected by charities, nurseries and schools across the city ahead of the big day tomorrow.

This week, Santa’s elves at our sponsor Storage Vault took to the streets to deliver presents to the organisations that will now distribute them directly to families.

While their minivan transport may not have been as glamorous as St Nick’s sleigh, charity workers were just as excited to see them pull up with a boot filled with recyclable Glasgow Times donation bags filled to the brim.

READ MORE: Glasgow's Spirit Aid in final push to fulfil Xmas dreams

Staff have spoken of their fears Christmas this year would be even worst than the last as the threat of the rising omicron variant resulted in business closures and frightened people back into their homes once again.

However, the emotional employees and volunteers couldn’t contain their joy as they witnessed the generosity of Glaswegians.

Selina Hales, who runs the Refuweegee charity, said: “The smallest act of kindness really goes a long way in welcoming somebody. No gift is too small.

“We’re so incredibly grateful that this city is so good at thinking about others, not just at this time of year, but all year round.

“We’re incredibly grateful that people help us spread Christmas cheer. They do it so well every year.”

Our 2021 campaign also raised an incredible £10,000, which was made up of donations from readers and a whopping £5,000 gift from Storage Vault chief John McGlynn.

The cash was used by Glasgow Times staff who raced around A1 Toys earlier this week to pick up a range of presents for children of all ages.

John, who has kindly donated the sum for the second year in a row, said he was happy to help spread festive cheer after another difficult year for the nation.

He said: “I’m delighted to once again support the Glasgow Times Bank on Us campaign.

“Christmas is so important for kids in need, and during these difficult times I’m delighted to assist the campaign.”

Our fellow sponsors, the Emmie Smillie Charity Foundation and the Pandamonium play centre, have both worked tirelessly to take in donations on our behalf throughout the past month.

Meanwhile, the city’s schools showed their support by gathering gifts of their own.

Glasgow kids forgot about their own letters to the North Pole and, instead, focused on bringing in the presents for other children who could face a very bleak Christmas without their support.

Staff, pupils and parents across the city filled hundreds of bags with gifts before saying goodbye to the school term earlier this week.

Councillor Chris Cunningham, city convener for education, skills and early years, praised their efforts.

He said: “Once again our schools are delighted to support the Glasgow Times’ Christmas toy appeal and it is heartening to hear that they’ve had a magnificent response from the people of Glasgow.

READ MORE: Glasgow charities benefit from toy deliveries

“We’ve all experienced such a challenging two years but we all know how kind, generous and compassionate our citizens are and will always find reserves to support each other.”

The true impact of the Glasgow Times Bank on Us campaign won’t be known until after Christmas has passed.

However, the efforts by our citizens over the last month has confirmed what we all already knew: people really do make Glasgow.

Stacey Mullen, assistant editor of the Glasgow Times, said: “We’re blown away by the generosity of the thousands of people who have donated to the 2021 Bank on Us campaign.

“For the second year in a row, Glasgow has shown its kind spirit and rallied behind families who were struggling with the prospect of providing Christmas gifts for their children.

“Coronavirus has caused us all difficulties over the last two years but, thanks to our wonderful readers, tens of thousands of children will wake up with a gift under their tree tomorrow. Thank you for all your support.”