THE Christmas preparations are well under way.

The Christmas socials and shopping are getting us in the festive spirit and we're all looking forward to a break after a busy year. This week and last, I've spent visiting community groups and attending wonderful Christmas shows in the local primary schools. The effort from teachers, pupils and parents really shines through and it's a joy to see their hard work come together.

Unfortunately not everyone will be enjoying the luxuries that the season brings. For many families, Christmas will be a time of happiness and celebration, but many others are struggling to put food on the table and will have little extra for toys. Given the tough economic climate I think it is right that during this festive period we help people who are finding things difficult.

Last year I organised a Toybank in the Gorbals Parish Church, and even though it was organised in just 10 days, the response we had from the whole city was incredible. People dropped by my office to hand things in, people stopped by on the day to donate, we collected at Asda in Toryglen and after just an hour people doing their Christmas shopping had filled two trolley-fulls of gifts for local children. Bishopbriggs Childcare Centre donated a fantastic collection of toys thanks to the generosity of the parents there. I was overwhelmed by people's goodwill.

Given last year's success, I will be running the Toybank again this year. I want this to be a community event and to get the whole city behind it. I am asking people who have toys in good condition which they no longer need to donate them or to encourage people who could be helped by the Toybank to come along.

It is a good opportunity to clear out the toy cupboard, make good use of good condition toys and support the community. I know my own children have a number of toys they hardly ever play with, so why not use those toys to bring a smile to a youngster's face.

If you know anyone who would benefit from a gift for their child, please encourage them to come along. This will very much be a community event, so even if you're not coming along to donate or receive a gift, you'll be very welcome to join us for a mince pie and a chat.

The Toybank will be in Gorbals Parish Church, 1 Errol Gardens, G5 0RA on Saturday 20th December from 11am to 1pm.

Donations would be really appreciated at my office at 9 Scotland Street, G5 8NB, Monday - to Friday 10am - 4pm.