Needy children can look forward to some festive cheer on Christmas morning, thanks to a partnership between one of the north-east’s largest independent shops and a number of local charities.
The Spotty Bag Shop in Banff is donating £5,000 worth of toys to kick-start the annual Gift Tree Project in the Banff area.
The retailer will also put up gift trees in the store, and invite customers to take part.
Visitors to the shop can choose a tag from the tree, then buy one extra gift with their shopping to donate to a vulnerable child.
Des Cheyne, owner of the Spotty Bag Shop, said: “Christmas is a time you associate with children and all the excitement that comes with it. Unfortunately it is not like that for all kids and we decided at the Spotty Bag Shop that we would like to do our bit to ensure that as far as possible that every child locally would receive a present this Christmas.
“We also know our customers are big-hearted and would ask them to consider passing on a gift to a child – it could really make their Christmas.”
The Gift Tree Project is being led by the Spotty Bag Shop and Home Start Deveron in conjunction with Care United Banff and Banff and Buchan Community Planning.
Home-Start co-ordinator Reena Thom said: “Many local families need a little extra support at Christmas and the unique partnership of agencies who work closely with families has been formed to bring some festive cheer to those in our local community who find themselves in need at this time of year.”