Caithness FM Toy Appeal brought festive cheer to more than 400 children
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More than 400 children across the county benefited from the generosity of local people who supported the 2023 Caithness FM Toy Appeal.
It was the 29th year of the appeal, with the community radio station again asking the public to donate gifts such as toys, books, toiletries, pyjamas or anything that a child from newborn to 18 could use.
Caithness FM’s company secretary Jackie Johnson said: "It’s almost unbelievable that we’ve been doing this for 29 years now. The first year we raised six bin-bags of toys – this year two trailer loads, two van loads and three cars full!
"While we are very proud of the toy appeal, we feel very sad that it has grown so big and that so many families are in need. However, we are also proud to live in a community that cares so much for others.
"Those who support the appeal are just unbelievable and, thanks to them, 412 children received gifts this year."
Jackie added: "Our appeal is not in any way connected to other appeals and every single gift stays within Caithness. All expenses for the appeal are either paid by Caithness FM or by ourselves in order that as much help as possible goes where it’s needed.
"There are too many people to thank individually but please know that every single donation is very much appreciated.
"We would like to thank the staff at all our collection points across the county who go above and beyond to help us. We also would like to thank all the companies, large or small, who choose to help us every year without being asked.
"We thank Dounreay for transport and the Dunnet family for the use of their premises. We thank the council staff for their support, and of course our volunteer elves who donate so much time to sorting the toys and compiling the details of the families who need help.
"Finally we thank each and every one of you who donated in any way, especially those who went out of their way to raise funds on our behalf – we seriously could not do this without you.
"We were asked recently how we plan to celebrate our 30th year. The only way to celebrate would be if the appeal was no longer needed, but unfortunately that’s unlikely to happen in this economic climate so until then, with your help, we’ll carry on as usual."
