THE local Salvation Army Christmas Toy Appeal has been running for more than 35 years and its importance to the community has, if anything, increased due to crushing cost of living and a fragile economy.
The people of Inverclyde have always rallied behind the effort to give every child a toy at Christmas, and this year the Salvation Army is calling on the public to step forward with much-needed donations.
Here are some photos taken over the years showing the enduring success of the appeal and others like it.
Pic1: This picture shows just a selection of festive items and toy bags gathered for the Salvation Army Toy Appeal in 2013.
Pic2: Greenock Telegraph reporter Paul John Coulter is seen here handing over much needed donations to toy appeal organiser Maureen Pentland and treasurer Brian McKenzie back in 2018.
Pic3: Aileymill Primary School pupil Skye McCabe took matters into her own hands by setting out to collect a vast number of toys for the Tesco Christmas Toy Appeal in 2021.
Pic4: In addition to the toy appeal, Cassie Murphy decided to collect food items for those less fortunate in our community. The generous youngster gave up her time and pocket money to gather a wide variety of tinned foods, pasta, cereal and biscuits to help see families through the festive period in 2016.
Pic5: This shot taken in 2012 features Salvation Army staff and volunteers.
They helped make the festive season brighter for local children by making sure no youngster would go without a gift for Christmas morning.
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