River Kids: Last News

Pupils at Armadale Academy have launched a Christmas toy appeal with donations handed over to local charity River Kids.

West Lothian children’s charity River Kids has launched this year’s Toy Appeal.

Sign up to the weekly West Lothian Courier newsletter for the latest West Lothian news and sport.The charity behind West Lothian’s annual toy appeal say they were overwhelmed by people’s generosity this Christmas.The appeal launched in early November and River Kids say the support from the general public was crucial to them being able to meet the unique demands this year. Due to the Covid-19 the appeal faced many challenges, including the loss of their logistical partner for deliveries and an increase in referrals from social work, health centres and the homeless unit.Jack Christine, Charity Manager at River Kids said “Sadly, as anticipated, we have had nearly a 60 per cent increase in the number of referrals we have received this year as

“That aside, we love a challenge at River Kids and with the West Lothian communities help we are determined to make this year’s appeal a resounding success.”River Kids require donations of toys generally around the £10 mark which can be dropped off at a number of collection points including: River Kids, 3 Tailend Court, Starlaw Livingston, EH54 8TE; River Kids, 63-67 East Mains Street, Broxburn, EH52 5EE; The Chain Runner, Almondvale Way, Livingston EH54 6GA; McNicholl Vehicle Hire, 19 Houston Mains Holdings (on A89), Livingston, EH52 6PA; Play Bugs, 24 Mill Rd, Linlithgow Bridge, Linlithgow EH49 7SF (Wed-Fri only) and Stoneyburn Health Centre, Sunnyside, Main Street, Stoneyburn EH47 8BY.Alternatively, River Kids also has an Amazon Wish

Jan continued: “This year will be a little different due to the restrictions in place following the Covid-19 pandemic and we respectfully ask those making referrals to collect the toys from us in the lead up to Christmas.”River Kids have also been helping out wherever possible during the pandemic and provided St John’s Hospital Maternity Unit with toiletries and kids activity packs so they would have something to do during lockdown.Jan also told the Courier that the Toy Appeal will now be an all-year-round initiative. This will mean River Kids will be delivering Easter Eggs and presents to children on their birthdays as well as the festive Santa Sacks. River Kids was planning on holding two events to celebrate its 15th birthday.