A Glasgow charity that supports families in poverty and financial hardship has joined the Glasgow Times Bank on Us appeal.

The Glasgow No1 Baby and Family Support Service (GN1BFSS) has joined forces with our festive appeal to help save Christmas for children across the city.

After another year of tough coronavirus restrictions, culminating in the closure of several businesses and financial uncertainty for thousands of people throughout Scotland.

In a bid to ease the pressure on struggling families, the Glasgow Times are enlisting the help of toy banks, charities and our wonderful readers to help ensure no child goes without on December 25.

READ MORE: Meet the sponsors behind Glasgow Times toy appeal

As part of the appeal, Audrey Dempsey, founder and service manager of the East End facility, has called on readers to donate new toys and warm winter jackets for children in the city this Christmas.

Audrey said: “Each year, we open up our festive appeal for children who are at risk of waking up to nothing on Christmas morning.

"We offer a full gift pack with five toys and a warm jacket to each child. We desperately need support from Glaswegians to enable us to fulfil the needs of these children.

"We know that the city is renowned for its friendliness, generosity and ability to come together in times of need."

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She added: "The families we support are living in poverty and financial hardship and if everyone donated even just one item, we can make their Christmas wishes a reality”.

“Demand for our children’s Christmas packs has grown significantly each year and with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic affecting even more families, we are already seeing increased referrals."

Our 2020 Bank on Us appeal helped raise around £15,000 and donate 100,000 in gifts for Glasgow's most vulnerable children.

The East End group managed to bring in almost 7,000 toys and are hoping to make this year's campaign an even better success than the years prior.

Audrey said: "Last year, we provided 1,339 Christmas packs to children totalling over 6,690 toys and games and we are expecting a substantial increase on that number for this year.

READ MORE: First Minister Nicola Sturgeon backs toy plea

"Since launching the appeal in 2017, we have delivered over 13,800 toys and games and 2,760 pre-loved and new warm winter jackets.

"We are asking our fellow Glaswegians to donate today, we are grateful for every item received.”

On Friday, recyclable paper Bank on Us donation bags will be included within each copy of the Glasgow Times to be filled with gifts for young people.

Similarly, our GoFundMe page will go live to accept donations from those who would rather skip the shops over December.

Audrey has provided ideas for those wondering what to donate, which includes games that children can play on their own or with family engagement, a game that is artistic, musical or sporty as well as an educational activity.

Items can also be bought specifically from the group's Amazon wishlist.

Gifts can be donated directly to the charity at 261 Forge Street, Germiston, Glasgow G21 2AR or, for those who may find delivering the presents difficult, the GN1BFSS also offers a collection service.

To arrange for a collection, contact 0141 230 6856.

To purchase gifts from the Amazon wishlist visit HERE.

Meanwhile, to donate to the Bank on Us appeal visit HERE.