The ‘Ayrshire Christmas Toy Bank’ was formed by Darren White and Scott Drury who own and run Crackin Candy Events. Crackin Candy Events is an Ayrshire business specialising in event prop hire. As a business that relies on celebrations within the hospitality sector, we naturally have been affected immensely by the COVID pandemic. During these times we understandably have time to focus our attentions and enthusiasm on other projects. We have always made donations to several charities, however the ‘Ayrshire Christmas Toy Bank’ would never have been set up if it wasn’t for witnessing a heart wrenching choice a mother was forced to take in one of our local supermarkets. Too many people have been forced into poverty during this pandemic and at no fault of their own. No family should need to chose between putting food on the table and heating their house. By operating the ‘Ayrshire Christmas Toy Bank’ we hope to be able to alleviate some pressure on parents during what can be an expensive time of year and especially during a pandemic!

We had one move that we felt we needed to take at the start of the ‘Ayrshire Christmas toy Bank’, and that was to contact our friend Kristine Park at Dot Cottons Laundrette in Tam’s Brigg, Ayr. Dot Cottons is a well know business in Ayrshire and we could never of estimated the vast number of contacts, friends and drive that Kristine has. We are already so grateful for everything Dot Cottons has done for the appeal. Ironically we only became friends with Kristine and husband Jim this year through the purchase of our Border Collie puppy, Holly! Jim and Kristine purchased Holly’s brother, Alfie.