A heartfelt appeal has been launched in the north-east to ensure no youngster goes without a Christmas present this year.
The annual Giving Tree scheme, organised by charity Instant Neighbour, distributes thousands of gifts and toys each year to youngsters from as far north as Elgin all the way south to Laurencekirk.
This year marks a quarter of a century since the appeal first launched – and the charity hopes this year will be its biggest and best yet.
Sophy Green, chief executive of the charity, said they are expecting an estimated 6,000 gifts to be donated by generous members of the public for children who might not get a present otherwise.
“The Giving tree is vital for thousands of young people across he north-east, providing them with a happy Christmas,” she said.
“Over the years we have been overwhelmed at the generosity of the public. Without their support we simply could not delight so many.
“Our appeal requires a great deal of organisation and I can’t thank our volunteers enough who help sort and distribute the gifts.
“I would also like to thank our main sponsors Chevron who give so generously to the appeal and have done throughout its 25 year history.”
Last year, around £150,000 worth of presents were distributed across the region.
At the launch of this year’s appeal, one of the first gifts was donated by the Lord Provost of Aberdeen, George Adam.
Mr Adam said: “Christmas can be a very difficult time of year for some families and I’d ask people to pick up a tag from the tree and buy a gift to help bring smiles to homes across our communities.
“It is a joyful time of year and the Giving Tree spreads that feeling with the help of the very generous citizens of Aberdeen.”
The appeal will run until December 4.
Those who want to donate can pick up a gift tag from any one of the numerous Instant Neighbour trees around the city centre.
The tag will have the name and age of a young person from the north-east on it to help buy them a suitable gift.
The present can be dropped off, gift wrapped, at numerous shops across Aberdeen.
For full details on drop-off points, visit www.instantneighbour.co.uk