DONATIONS have poured in for the Reporter’s annual toy bank collection in time for Christmas.

The Reporter office was filled with Christmas goodies and yummy snacks guaranteed to put a smile on the faces of families across Dumbarton and the Vale who find themselves in financial difficulty this holiday season.

Last week, pupils from St Kessog’s Primary School gave their donations to the cause and then on Monday morning, pupils from St Ronan’s Primary School also handed over foodstuffs to West Dunbartonshire Foodshare which will be distributed in time for Christmas.

Tracey Millan, from St Ronan’s, told the Reporter: “The food collection was instigated by the ‘Minnie Vinnies’ group in the school.

“They visited every class and spoke to pupils on how their food donations would help those less fortunate than themselves.

“There was a very generous response and a representative from the foodshare project came along to the school to collect the items.”

The generosity of residents has ensured dozens of families throughout the area will have the merry Christmas they deserve.

Clair Coyle, a trustee of West Dunbartonshire Community Foodshare, said praised the community response.

She said: “There has been a tremendous response this year from all sections of the community – from nurseries, schools, businesses, organisations and individuals.

“Although we have not yet got the final total, it looks like the total amount has exceeded last year’s.

“We are delighted because it means that families who would not normally be able to enjoy Christmas because of financial hardship.

“It goes to show that people are very generous and are thinking of those less fortunate than themselves at this time of year.

“A special thank you goes to the taxi drivers who helped this year.

“We appealed through our facebook page for taxi drivers to come down to our distribution centres and help take people home for free.

“There was a great response. It meant that people carrying bags, and with children alongside, were able to get home safely and we are very grateful to the taxi drivers who responded to our appeal.”

The collection of foodstuffs and toys will continue until Friday, December 22.