Thank you for making a difference to children

Stirling's outstanding community spirit was well and truly on display this week.

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The people of Stirling have shown what they are made of, donating thousands of toys and gifts for the Stirling Observer Give A Gift Appeal.

Representatives of charities and good causes were welcomed to the appeal’s main collection day on Wednesday - and to the sight of an incredible number of items.

Now they are getting started on the hard work of helping Santa distribute presents to the children and young people they support.

With the need for their services - and the gifts - never waning, many were both delighted and relieved to have at least some of the pressure lifted.

Appeal coordinator Kaiya Marjoribanks said: “While in an ideal world there would be no need for this appeal, the reality is that many families are struggling - whether that be for financial reasons, health reasons or through sheer circumstance - and will feel isolated over Christmas.

“It can be very easy for them to think that people around them are oblivious to their struggles.

“For many it's about knowing that these struggles, whatever they may be, are acknowledged, helping them feel less isolated.