A north east charity is making sure disadvantaged children have a gift to open this Christmas.
The Giving Tree Appeal, run by Instant Neighbour in Aberdeen, is marking its 35th year and will ensure thousands of children will receive presents this festive season.
Businesses, schools, universities and other organisations take tags from the charity featuring details of children in need and display them on their Christmas trees.
People can then collect a tag from a tree and purchase a gift especially for their chosen child.
Presents donated by the public are now being distributed to those in need, with gift bags containing toys, food boxes, clothing, and gift vouchers.
Susan Cheyne co-ordinated this year’s appeal and has noticed an increase in those using the services.
She said: “There’s been a gradual increases throughout the 35 years, and I think most recently that’s got to do with the cost of living.
“Certainly, since Covid times are really really tough for people.”
All gifts have been sorted and packed at Instant Neighbour, ready for collection.
Those receiving gifts have picked up their presents in time for Christmas.
Donna, who has used the service for 26 years, believes it helps make Christmas day special for families.
“There’s a lot of kids who don’t have anything, it’s not just toys, there’s food parcels, selection boxes, quite a lot of things,” she said.
Earlier this year, a lack of donations had left the charity’s foodbank struggling with empty shelves – but now they are fully stocked.
Susan said the generosity of the festive season has helped the foodbank recover.
“We’ve been quite overwhelmed by the amount of food donations that we’ve had this Christmas,” she said.
“So, we’re no longer having to refuse anyone, which we have done in the past.
“We are able to give them a substantial amount of food.”
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