West Lothian charity appealing for donations to make sure local children don't go without at Christmas

dailyrecord.co.uk:

A West Lothian charity is once again providing Christmas goodies to children and teenagers who might otherwise go without.For a third year Team North Pole will be handing out Christmas boxes to the growing number of families in need.Those eligible include people with disabilities, on low income, and those families that have been adversely affected by the adjustments in Universal Credit, rising prices of energy, goods and services which are all contributing to the increase in household and child poverty.Last year the team at the West Lothian Financial Network, provided 908 Christmas boxes to West Lothian households.This year, as the need is greater, they are aiming to provide even more Christmas boxes within West Lothian and are well on the way to achieving this.The Christmas boxes are pre-wrapped in Christmas paper but not sealed so that parents are aware of the contents.The content of each box will be gender and age specific, filled with new gifts and essential items.

The age range will cover newborn to 16 year olds.Self-referral forms and organisation referral forms are available.The project was launched by Fiona Hyslop MSP, who said: “I was delighted to join staff and volunteers at West Lothian Financial Inclusion Network based in Whitburn to help them launch their Christmas Shoe Box/Bundle Appeal and to call upon the people of West Lothian to help with their donations.“The hard-working, ambitious and energetic team have already begun wrapping and sorting through items that will make their way into a child’s home this Christmas.“They are all very dedicated to making a difference to the lives of families in West Lothian.“Last year, the West Lothian Financial Inclusion Network distributed 908 shoe boxes filled with