GENEROUS Renfrewshire residents ensured almost 900 packs of toys were given to underprivileged children in the area this Christmas.

The Renfrewshire Christmas Toy Bank, set up by Renfrew woman Lauren Roy-Sutherland, issued 871 packages to less fortunate children, thanks to the kindness of the community.

Lauren said: “Not only did referrals go out but we were also able to donate to local schools, nurseries and the foodbank.

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“This meant that, if any last-minute referrals came forward, social work would have items to give out.

“The amount of donations we received just blew us away.

“This was my first year doing the toy bank and I honestly didn’t expect that it would take off so well.

“It saddens me that it’s needed but I am overwhelmed with how everyone came together to make this possible.”

Lauren thanks all of the local businesses, including the intu Braehead shopping mall, in Renfrew, which acted as drop-off points for toys.

She is also grateful to all of her family and friends for putting in lots of hours of babysitting while she was busy running the toy bank.

And there is praise too for all of the volunteers who put in hundreds of hours of hard work to help make sure kids had a merry Christmas.

Lauren added: “Children we received referrals for did not just get one gift, they got multiple.

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“We tried to ensure every child had a selection box, book, item of clothing and a good few toys tailored to their likes.

“Thank you so much to everyone and I hope you all had an amazing Christmas.”