Christmas is a wonderful time of year, but for many families it can be a difficult time with the extra worries that the demands of Christmas bring, especially for families with children.

When Ivy Irvine, 8 had some spending money left over from her holidays she wanted to buy toys so that no boys and girls miss out this Christmas.

Ivy handed in a selection of toys into Riverside Scotland’s Housing First for Families team.  Ivy said, “I wanted to buy toys for children who might not get much at Christmas.”

The Housing First for Families service provides direct support to our tenant households with children, who are struggling to maintain their tenancy, or who have previously been through the homeless system.

Amanda Robinson, Housing First for Families Co-ordinator said, “We were overcome when Ivy’s mum contacted us to ask if we could use the toys. What a kind gesture! It’s heart-warming that this young lady has thought of others who might not be looking forward to Christmas and has reached out to help. She’s a wee star! Our families will be delighted to receive Ivy’s gifts.”