Hundreds of children smiling after 30th Caithness FM Toy Appeal
Four hundred children across the county benefited from the generosity of local people who supported the 2024 Caithness FM Toy Appeal.
It was the 30th year of the annual campaign, 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.
Company secretary Jackie Johnson said: “It was our 30th annual Caithness FM Toy Appeal, and what a year it was!
“The week before the toys were distributed we were so worried that we actually posted on Facebook saying that we were short of donations. Well, the community really rose to the challenge and the response in that final week absolutely floored us.
“We would like to thank each and every person who donated, fundraised or helped in any way. Thanks to them, approximately 400 children in Caithness will have smiled on Christmas morning.
“Just as importantly, all those who supported the appeal have also helped to take the pressure off of those parents who were worrying how they were going to cope and frightened of letting their children down. So thank you all for making our target become reality.
“We would like to thank all of our collection points across the county and the staff at each point who look after them.
“We also give a huge thank-you to Dunnett’s Funeral Directors for their continued support and providing us with accommodation for the elves’ sorting office.
“And of course we thank our elves – we really could not do this without them. They wish to remain anonymous but you all know who you are!”
Jackie also praised Dounreay for providing transport and staff to assist.
She added: “The toy appeal is a huge team effort and we are proud to be part of that team. On behalf of the Caithness FM Toy Appeal team, thank you all and we wish you well in 2025.”
Last summer the volunteers who run Caithness FM celebrated a major refurbishment at their base in Thurso.