The programme is run by Glasgow-based Sarwar Foundation, Scottish Women's Aid and Glasgow's No.1 Baby and Family Support Service.
A nationwide toybank appeal has been launched to provide Christmas presents for thousands of children across Scotland who are living in extreme poverty or fleeing domestic abuse.
Donations to Scotland’s Christmas Toybank Appeal will ensure that children living in a refuge or who would otherwise receive no presents have something to open on Christmas Day morning.
One mother in Glasgow whose children received gifts last year said: “Many nights I never slept worrying about it so much that I cried when the parcels arrived.
“I cried on Christmas Eve looking at them under the tree and I cried again on Christmas morning watching the kids open them.
“Tears of sheer joy and relief for a change and - for that one day - of not feeling I’d let my kids down. I thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
The annual campaign is led by the Glasgow-based Sarwar Foundation, in conjunction with the charities Scottish Women's Aid and Glasgow's No.1 Baby and Family Support Service.
The partners have identified hundreds of families to support this Christmas, with the cost-of-living crisis placing unbearable hardship on many households.
Audrey Dempsey, service manager with the Glasgow No.1 Baby and Family Support Service, said: “This Christmas will be so hard for so many families in Glasgow and across Scotland.
“We have identified hundreds of families struggling this year.
“Many parents simply can’t afford to give their child a present on Christmas Day morning - but the Toybank Appeal can change that.”
Donations can be made at www.justgiving.com/campaign/Toybank2022 and will be used to purchase new toys or gift vouchers for children.
Organisers aim to raise around £20,000 for the tenth annual appeal, building on the success of last year’s fundraiser which helped more than 2,000 children across Scotland.
Anas Sarwar MSP, who founded the toybank appeal a decade ago, said: “The cost-of-living crisis is placing unbearable hardship of households, leaving many unable to afford their energy bills or their shopping bills.
“Some children in Scotland will have no presents to open on Christmas Day morning.
“Everyone involved in this year’s appeal hopes it can be bigger than ever, because every child deserves a Christmas.”
Suzan King, secretary of the Sarwar Foundation, added: “Christmas is a time for caring, sharing, and spreading love.
“But for too many families across Scotland, they won’t get that chance this Christmas.
“Your generous donations will buy new toys or gift vouchers for those who may otherwise receive nothing this year.
“We are enormously grateful for any support, so please donate generously and help guarantee a Christmas for children and young people across Scotland.”
