Christmas is coming early to disadvantaged children across Edinburgh, thanks to boxes of toys and festive gifts that have been collected as part of the University of Edinburgh’s Christmas present appeal.
Staff at the Accommodation, Catering and Events (ACE) team at the University of Edinburgh encouraged colleagues and students to donate unwrapped toys and gifts, to be 
packaged up and sent to the Salvation Army as part of its ‘Give a gift and light up a life’ appeal.
The team collected 17 large boxes of toys, including teddy bears, dolls and books for infants, children and teenagers, which were handed over to the charity by Christine Kelly, head of revenue and occupancy at ACE.
Captain Jennifer Gosling, Salvation Army officer at the Edinburgh City Corps, said: “We’re very grateful for all donations at this time of year. Last year we were able to provide help for over 300 children because of the generosity of the general public.”
The Salvation Army’s annual appeal urges people across the UK to donate to their local centre, helping millions of disadvantaged children and young people receive gifts during the festive period. Thanks to donations from the public, the charity helps almost 15,000 parents and children across the world live in safe and supportive environments every week.
Ms Kelly said: “We never expected such a positive response – it was fantastic. Students and staff alike were happy to collect toys to give to those who would not be expecting anything for Christmas.
“I would like to especially thank the property and catering teams at ACE, as without their massive efforts, we would not have come close to collecting the amounts of toys that we did.”