A CHRISTMAS toy appeal has been launched by charity East Lothian Roots and Fruits (ELRF) to support county families this Christmas.

The charity, which is based in Elphinstone, is looking for donations of toys and food to help support families in need this Christmas.

Pamela McKinlay, project manager at ELRF, said: “Thank you to everyone who has donated to our Christmas appeal, we really appreciate it and the response from families who have received their gifts has been so heart-warming. We have had a great response so far but we are in need of gifts for girls aged seven and over.

“We have 66 kids on our list that we hope to help and we appreciate everything that has been handed in so far.

“I would like to say a massive thank you to everyone who has donated in any way.”

ELRF aims to make fruit and vegetables affordable and accessible, and offers a wide range of initiatives including fruit and veg deliveries and cooking workshops.

Donations to the appeal can be made directly to the charity, which is based on Main Street in Elphinstone, until December 22.

Meanwhile, Tranent Bowling Club has launched a Christmas toy appeal in partnership with Home-Start East Lothian.

The club, which is based at Polson Park, is looking for donations of toys which will be given out to children who need them this Christmas.

Home-Start East Lothian is the hub for the collection of these toys and Tranent Bowling Club will be giving donations over to them.

The club was due to begin collecting donations yesterday (Wednesday) and will do so again this evening (Thursday) from 7pm until 8pm, and tomorrow (Friday) from 7pm until late.

Donations can be brought directly to the club, while Home-Start East Lothian will continue to accept donation directly to them throughout the month.