Toy appeals bring festive joy to hundreds of children

THE generosity and charitable spirit of the people of Strabane has been lauded once again with Christmas made extra special this year hundreds of local children thanks to a series of toy appeals.

Over 400 children enjoyed a very happy Christmas thanks to the annual Santa Cause Toy Appeal.

The fundraiser, now in its fourth year, was relaunched to help alleviate the burden on hard pressed families who are struggling due to the ongoing cost of living crisis including ever increasing prices of food, fuel, electric and gas.

Run by local man, Ronan Boyle with support from Anthony Duffy, who teamed up once again with Strabane councillor, Raymond Barr and Ursula Doherty from Strabane Community Project, the appeal helped bring a little festive cheer to families in need.

Speaking of the success of the appeal, Ronan explained: "A big thank-you to Strabane and others.

"Because of your generosity we were able to bring gifts to over 400 children and teenagers in the Strabane district area who would have probably went without.

"There was thousands of pounds worth of donations."

Extending thanks on behalf of the team, Ronan also thanked all the venues which supported the appeal by acting as drop-off points, The Den for allowing use their premises to store and pack all the toys, staff from Strabane Community Project, Social Services, Grass Roots and Include Youth for identifying families and physical support.

He added: "We made sure that everything was above board. All families went through a proper referral and assessment process while everything was kept confidential.

"Massive thank you to all the businesses, community organisations and local political parties who donated gifts, and all the individuals that went out of their way to help either physically or by running events and donating cash from their own pockets to support our toy appeal.

"All in all Strabane pulled together to look after our own.

"This is the fourth year running now. We are going from strength to strength. See you next year."

With the demand for the appeal increasing, so too has the generosity of the Strabane and district community.

Praising the "amazing generosity" shown to the fundraiser, councillor Barr echoed his thanks to all those who supported Santa Cause.

"I know it’s been a tough few years for everyone and the prospects don’t look good for next year either thanks to Tory austerity, however I hope most people find a bit of respite in the next week or two.

"It’s also been confirmed the number of children helped in the toy appeal stands at 401. Amazing - take a bow people of Strabane and district.

He added: "The amazing generosity of the Strabane public, of Fr Sweeney and the parishioners of Leckpatrick, of those bereaved parents who left presents in the Church of the Immaculate Conception, has ensured over 400 children in this district will receive something on Christmas morning."

He added: "We are eternally grateful to all who came forward with donations and every individual who went out of their way.

"If there is a district with more generous or bigger hearted people than ours, I would like to see it."

Elsewhere, Melmount Community Forum's annual toy drive and food banks also proved hugely successful, while support packs and hot dinners were also distributed by the team of volunteers over the Christmas period to those most struggling.

"Whereas we want to help everyone, we humanly can't and have the unwanted position of determining the greater need out of what we can only describe as unprecedented demand," a spokesperson said of the toy appeal.

"However even this little assistance to the community is not possible had you 'the community' not stepped up and donated so generously.

"Once again our sincere appreciation to you on behalf of those who will benefit this Christmas."

The Forum extended thanks to all those who donated to their appeals, and the volunteers who helped distribute the donations.

Numerous other appeals and community fundraisers also helped alleviate the burden on families who have felt financial pressures over the festive period.