Barnardo's launch appeal for donations of unwanted Christmas gifts

A CHILD welfare charity is urging people to donate their unwanted gifts and help raise funds.

Barnardo’s Scotland is appealing for unsuitable gifts from the festive season to be donated to their shops across the country so that they can be sold to help fund the charity’s 140 projects across the country that support children and young people affected by today’s most urgent issues.

These includes those who are living in poverty, those that have suffered abuse, or those that are disabled.

This year’s appeal for quality donations is even more urgent as families struggle to cope with the rising costs of living as energy and food prices soar, making bills even harder to pay. Many families are having to make tough choices between paying their heating bills or buying food.

Martin Crewe, Director of Barnardo’s Scotland, said: “I think we can all safely say we’ve received a gift at Christmas that’s not suitable or we quite simply don’t want.

"We can turn that into a positive. By donating any unsuitable Christmas presents to our shops you will not only be repurposing an item you may not have used, but also helping Scotland’s most vulnerable children.

“All purchases made in our Barnardo’s Scotland stores and through our online shop help us to support some of the most vulnerable children in society. The money we raise allows us to provide food parcels or supermarket vouchers to those who desperately need them as well as energy vouchers to heat families’ homes over the winter months.

“Every year, Barnardo’s Scotland works to turn around the lives of more than 10,000 children, young people and their families through 140 projects across the country. Every penny raised plays a vital part in ensuring we continue to support these children.”

Shoppers can buy quality clothes, household goods, books, toys as well as accessories and collectibles at Barnardo’s shops. Anyone wishing to donate, volunteer or fundraise for Barnardo’s Scotland, should visit www.barnardos.org.uk/get-involved/raise-money

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