We support hundreds of Young Carers on a weekly basis between our centres in Kilmarnock, Cumnock, New Cumnock and Dalmellington. Our young people range in age from 5-25 and some children can be caring for both parents or more than one member of their family.

Pre-pandemic we ran Young Carers groups from Monday to Thursday where our young people attend for 2 hours and in that time we play games, do lots of activities and also provide them with a hot meal. During lockdown and through the different phases of restrictions, we are providing this support virtually with the addition of garden gate meetings and 1:1 support. Covid-19 has resulted in young carers providing many more hours of care every week.

Many of the children we support live in families that are experiencing financial hardship, and we know that in the past, many Young Carers have woken up on Christmas Day without any gifts at all. So we made a pledge that every young carer we support, along with their siblings, will receive something to open on Christmas Day.

But we can’t do this without help and luckily, every year, we are overwhelmed by the loving kindness and generosity of the public who go above and beyond to bring donations to us.

So we are asking for your help again this year and wondered if you would like to make a gift/toy donation or a monetary donation or would think about making our young carers the recipients of your office Secret Santa.

We are looking for gifts for the following ages:

• Baby & toddler (for younger siblings of young carers)
• 5-8 year olds – boys/girls
• 9-12 year olds – boys/girls
• 13-15 year old boys/girls
• 16 years + boys/girls

Pyjamas, slippers, cosy hats, gloves and scarves are always a really big hit, along with arts and craft type activities and family games such as Jenga, Ker-Plunk etc. Boys and girls of all ages are really into their superheroes and love Spiderman, Captain America, Iron Man, Captain Marvel and the gang! Dolls, teddies and action figures always go down a treat. Aftershave sets and beauty sets are a big hit for our older teenage Young Carers. Vouchers are always a great gift idea too.

Could we ask that the gifts are not wrapped and that they are new please or at least unused and are “as new”.

We welcome donations up until the 13th December – but we will take donations after that date too. Donations can be made to:

• The Kilmarnock Foregate office –Tues, Weds & Thurs from 9am till 4.30pm - 01563 571533
• The Carers Cottage in the Howard Park, Kilmarnock on Tues from 10am-4pm - 01563 559251
• Cumnock Carers Centre 39 Barrhill Road - Tues, Weds & Thurs 9am-4pm - 01290 426404
• Dalmellington House, 32 Main Street, Dalmellington - Tues, Weds and Thurs from 9am-4pm 01292 550717

Monetary donations can be made here.