by Paul Behan

WEEK Four of the West Dunbartonshire Community Toybank campaign has seen a new face volunteer his services.

George Spence of Smooth Move, a business based in West Dunbartonshire which offers removal and cleaning services, is now on board.

George, 37, from Dumbarton, will be familiar to many of our readers as last year he helped out during the Helensburgh and Lomond Refugee Appeal – which was backed by the Post’s sister title the Helensburgh Advertiser.

He said: “There’s a lot of children out there in West Dunbartonshire who will go through Christmas with nothing, whether that be that their parents are in debt, or whatever.

“I just wanted to get involved and try to help in any way I can.

“Basically I will go to places like Dumbarton, Alexandria and Helensburgh and take collections and bring them back.

“We’re always looking for donations and every little bit helps.”

Henry Ainslie, editor of the Post, said: “It’s fantastic that George has lent his services to a worthy cause once again.

“He’ll be helping us transport donations from our offices to the toybank and I hope as many people as possible help make sure his van is as full as we can make it.”

George is also urging the public to get in touch with him directly through Facebook or his Smooth Move website if there are people out there who have more bulkier items they want to donate.

George said: “I’ve got the van, so I can take larger items.”

Meanwhile, the campaign has seen an encouraging amount of donations make their way to the Post offices in Dumbarton Road, Clydebank.

For the second year running, the toybank is working in association with the West Dunbartonshire Community Foodshare project to collect donations of toys and goods from across the community to help those less fortunate.

It’s a project close to everybody’s heart.

We at the Post are fully supporting the appeal too, because it’s all about giving those living on the breadline a more memorable Christmas.

Last year, people’s generosity saw 224 children presented with toys donated through the campaign and we hope to beat that target this year.

Demand increases at the food bank during winter, and Christmas often adds extra financial strain on already struggling families and individuals.

But The Reporter is proud to support the campaign by collecting donations at our office in Clydebank, as well as publicising several other drop-off locations across the area.

Donations of new and unwrapped toys for boys and girls aged up to 16 would be very welcome but unfortunately, due to health and safety, toiletries and used toys cannot be accepted.

Toys can be donated at the following locations: Clydebank Post office, Carus House, 201 Dumbarton Road, Clydebank (Mondays to Fridays 9am to 5pm) any CAB office; and the West Dunbartonshire Council offices on Garshake Road.

Items can also be dropped off during the week at Leven Resource Centre, in Dumbarton and Sis & Co Hairdressers in Alexandria.

Toybank will accept referrals directly from any family in need at Alexandria Community Centre, on Thursdays from 10am to 11.45am at the Concord Centre, Dumbarton, Fridays from 11am to 12.45pm; and Radnor Parish Church on Fridays, from 1pm to 2.30pm.

Food donations can also be made and for information go to the West Dunbartonshire Community Foodshare Facebook page and West Dunbartonshire Community Toybank Facebook page.

And you can also volunteer your services at the group’s social media page on Facebook.