A WEST Belfast food bank service has launched its annual Christmas toy appeal.
Foodstock, which is based on the Andersonstown Road, is appealing for new toys, for all ages or cash donations.
In collaboration with local teams of social workers, health visitors, advice centres and schools, the service is working to ensure families who are struggling are provided with gifts for their children this Christmas, either toys or vouchers.
Paul Doherty, who founded Foodstock, said: "What we are seeing is there is quite a lot of families in real distress about how they are putting food on the table and heating their homes this winter.
"Christmas and Christmas presents for their children has dropped down the list of priorities due to the current situation. For us, we are dealing with organisations who have told us they have had that difficult conversation with parents and they won't be able to provide for their children.
"Again, as a community we are responding to them. We are coming together to work to ensure no child is left without gifts this Christmas".
He added: "We have had great support. People are constantly coming to our door and saying `What can we do to help?' People are really coming together to help people get through this winter."
Mr Doherty said the toy appeal would run "right up to Christmas Eve and past it, if needed".
Toy donations can be left at Foodstock at 150F Andersonstown Road.
Cash donations can be made online at www.gofundme.com/f/foodstock-winter-christmas-appeal.
