Christmas Toy and Food Appeal
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KIND-hearted shoppers at Tesco in Forres are doing their bit to support the Northern Scot and Forres Gazette’s Christmas Toy and Food Appeal.
Tesco community champion Kerry Speed explained that the reaction to the store supporting the annual collection had been overwhelming.
“We started collecting last week and lots of presents have been donated already,” she said.
The appeal has received a great response from readers in the last few weeks.
Forres Post Office in the High Street is also a collection point for donations of toys and non-perishable food items.
The appeal has been running for more than 25 years in association with Moray Council’s social work department.
All referrals for support at Christmas come through the social work team.
And this year, the appeal is in conjunction with the St Giles Centre in Elgin, which has its own Giving Tree appeal.
As a thank you to everyone who has supported the appeal with a gift and another chance for people to donate, the Forres Gazette and Northern Scot staff will host a special Christmas jumper and social event on Friday, December 13, from 10am to 3pm.
Anybody who has already donated to the appeal can come along, meet the team and enjoy a glass of non-alcoholic mulled wine or a cup of tea or coffee, and a piece of shortbread, courtesy of Dean’s of Huntly.
Joe Millican, joint content editor of the Forres Gazette said: “The support from customers and staff at Tesco Forres is amazing and another fantastic boost to the appeal.
“We have been overwhelmed by the response so far and there are still three weeks until the appeal closes.
“With the help of our readers and businesses like Tesco Forres, we can make a real difference to people’s lives this Christmas.”
As well as toys and games for younger children, toiletries and other items for teenagers up to the age of 17 are needed, and non-perishable food items for pensioners. Cash donations can also be made to the appeal.
There will be another collection day on Saturday, December 14, from noon to 4pm at Santa’s Grotto in the St Giles Centre when staff from the Forres Gazette will be on hand to accept donations.
The gifts will be sorted out by the social work team at the council in time for distribution in the days before Christmas.
