THE Helensburgh Advertiser and Grasshopper Toys have once again teamed up to bring joy to families for whom Christmas isn’t always a happy time of year.

The 2017 toy appeal launches next week and we are looking for members of the public to help by donating toys and gift wrap to help to give some of Helensburgh and Lomond’s children a memorable holiday season.

Last year’s collection for Argyll and Bute Women’s Aid saw hundreds of children going through difficult times of separation and worries, open gifts on Christmas morning just like all their friends.

The generosity of the people in Helensburgh and Lomond meant that mums having a rough time were able to enjoy wrapping gifts for their children, an opportunity they otherwise may not have had.

Grasshopper Toys and all at the Helensburgh Advertiser are hoping to make this year’s collection, which starts on Monday, November 27, even more successful, bringing the true spirit of Christmas alive.

Wendy Hamilton, of Grasshopper Toys, said: “I am so excited that the Grasshopper Toy Shop will be partnering with the Helensburgh Advertiser again this year to run the third Argyll Women’s Aid Children’s Christmas Toy Collection.

“The generosity of donations made by the residents of Helensburgh and the surrounding area, for the previous toy collections we have hosted, has been overwhelming and makes us proud to be part of this community.”

Henry Ainslie, group editor of Clyde Weekly Press, said: “Argyll and Bute Women’s Aid perform a vital service for communities across Helensburgh and Lomond – and we are proud to support the 2017 toy collection campaign.

“Hundreds of children benefited from the campaign last Christmas, and I call on everyone to dig deep and help put a smile on even more deserving young faces across our communities this time round.”

A spokesman for Argyll and Bute Women’s Aid thanked the community for their support at this time of year and for their generous donations.

He said: “I would like to say thank you on behalf of the staff and service users for your unlimited support at this time of year.

“Many parents find this time of the year a great strain financially and emotionally and it is people in our our community, such as yourself, who provide ever-increasing support which help many parents provide their children with gifts from Santa.”

Donations of new and used, good condition toys, suitable for all ages can be donated.

Donations of wrapping paper will also be gratefully received. All donations can be dropped off at Grasshopper Toys, 112 West Princes Street, Helensburgh, G84 8DX, between 9am-5.30pm Monday-Saturday and 12-4pm on Sundays.