THE Inverclyde woman who has spent more than 30 years organising an annual Christmas toy appeal for local children admits she’s “frightened” to think how many families might need the donation drive’s help this year.

Maureen Pentland says the cost-of-living crisis is making it “harder and harder” to ensure that children suffering from poverty in the area wake up on Christmas morning with a gift from Santa.

Maureen has been co-ordinating the Salvation Army’s annual festive appeal for more than three decades, and is urging the Inverclyde community to match the generosity they showed last year, when the appeal supported almost 1,000 children.

(Image: George Munro)

Maureen, a former community manager with the Citadel in Greenock, said: "Last year we gave out gifts to 991 children and the age group was from birth to 12 years old.

"We can give between two, three and four gifts. It all depends on the toys we get in."

When asked how many families she expected to help this year, she admitted: "I have no idea. I am frightened to think about it. It will probably be the same, if not more.

"Some people who needed help in the past few years, and who are in a better position, come back and give to us because they want to repay the kindness, which is lovely."

Maureen says she is appealing in particular for presents for children aged from three to eight.

She estimates that up to £20 is spent on each child supported by the appeal, which runs across Inverclyde.

She said: "If there are two or three children we try to give games to they can play with each other.

"It's getting harder and harder each year because of the cost-of-living crisis.

"We would urge people to be as generous as they can. Christmas is about the children.

"We also try to put in some hats and gloves and blankets for the younger children. If parents can't buy toys, how can they afford clothes or put their heating on to keep warm?

"It's so sad in this day and age that people have to rely on us.

“But it personally gives me a feeling of personal satisfaction knowing I am helping people.

“It's not just me though, there is a team of volunteers.

"It's about knowing that a wee girl or boy will be opening up a present on Christmas Day.

"It is part of my giving for the Lord."

All families must be referred by an agency, such as Inverclyde HSCP’s social work department, Barnardo's or health visitors.

People are asked to drop in donations, all unwrapped, to Greenock Salvation Army Hall in Regent Street by December 6.

The hall is open from 9am until 3.30pm Monday to Friday and all donations are welcome.