Fifty children in Dumbarton, the Vale and Clydebank were signed up in a week for a donation from a Christmas toy bank.

The youngsters have been referred to the toy bank so they have a present to open on Christmas Day.

Sarah Cheesman, who set up the toy bank, said she expected the number of children in need of a toy donation to triple before Christmas.

She told the Reporter: “I’m surprised by the level of referrals we’ve had so soon. We’ve had 50 children in one week referred directly from West Dunbartonshire Community Foodshare and I’m expecting that number to treble.

“The use of the foodbank has only been going up and the number of referrals goes to show how in need people are.

“I’ve also been surprised by the level of toys donated, people have been very generous. It’s been very heartening to see how much people donate even if they don’t have much themselves.

“So far we’ve just had referrals from West Dunbartonshire Community Foodshare but will be also getting referrals through social workers and health visitors. It’s important to keep donations coming in right up to the end of December.

“I am especially looking for toys for children between 6-12 years old and one-three-year olds. Wrapping paper and selection boxes are most appreciated too.” 

Policewoman Sarah, from Bonhill, was inspired to set up the toy bank by a friend who founded a similar venture.

She added: “I see people struggling in the area and it’s my feeling if you are able to do something you should be doing something and this is a small thing that I have been able to do.

“We want to get rid of the stigma related to needing some help as there is absolutely no shame in it. It should be a happy time for families, not a time when parents are stressed about whether they can afford to buy presents for their children.”

Research carried out by Loughborough University last year found a quarter of children in Dumbarton and the Vale are living in poverty.

Sarah said she would not have been able to set up the toy bank without the help she has been given from West Dunbartonshire Community Foodshare, which is providing a storage space for the toys and help via its collection, distribution and referral network.

Dumbarton councillor Tommy Rainey said he was saddened to hear of the high level of referrals.

He said: “That’s an awful lot of referrals in one week, especially if they are going to be higher. I didn’t know there was that many people in the that situation. It’s sad to hear. It’s a terrible indictment of the times we’re living in.

“It should be a happy time of year for children, and hopefully it will be if people are generous in donating.”

Toys can be donated at points across West Dunbartonshire including at any Citizens’ Advice Bureau in the region between 9am-5pm and at the following supermarkets - Drumchapel Sainsbury’s, Dumbarton Morrisons and Asda Clydebank.

Donations are also accepted at the Golden Jubilee Hospital, Clydebank; YSortIt Clydebank, the Vale of Leven Enterprise Centre, Castlehill, Sis and Co hair salon in Alexandria and West Dunbartonshire Council headquarters at Garshake Road, Dumbarton.

Food donations can also be made at the same drop-off points and the foodshare is also appealing for donations of winter hats, scarves and gloves for children and adults.

Toys will be distributed to referred families on December 17 at Alexandria Community Centre and the following day at the community centre, the Concord Centre in Dumbarton and at Radnor Parish Church.

A further distribution day will be held at all three centres on December 23.