A KIND-HEARTED Kilwinning father and son have handed over an amazing 1,400 selection boxes in their eighth Christmas appeal for children in hospital as well as a brand new Xbox.

Michael Kirkum Senior and Junior made the presentation last week after once again appealing for kind-hearted residents to donate selection boxes, toys, board games and activity books to give the kids a really special Christmas Day.

And they were overjoyed to secure a brand new Xbox for the kids, thanks to the team at the Alton Inn pub.

Michael Kirkum Snr told the Times: “It went highly well, they were delighted as they didn’t know they were getting the new Xbox, they didn’t know that as we had kept that from them.

“They got the Xbox plus 10 new games. The Alton Inn organised a raffle and managed to generate enough money to buy it.

“They were absolutely over the moon saying the kids would love it – obviously we didn’t go round the wards because of Covid – but it was really nice.

“We got 1,429 selection boxes, 300 each of the colouring books and crayons and 86 cuddly toys.

“700 also went out around local charities, foodbanks schools and nurseries. We donated some to the collection in Kilwinning library as well.

“It’s been the best year so far, it must be worth about £4,000 in money, it’s a lot of stuff, it’s gone really well.”

The Kirkums would like to thank everyone who donated this year, as well as businesses KK Contracts, AGB Engineering, The Albion Bar, GT Groundcare, Paul Stevenston, Auld Lang Signs, The Alton Inn. RS Cables and Kattrak for this years appeal.

A spokesperson from The Alton Inn said: “We are so privileged to have been part of this and so absolutely proud of oor Michael and Michael Kirkum Jr who have absolutely knocked it out of the park this year when it comes to donations for an absolutely unbelievable cause which is simply putting smiles on the children of our communities face.”

Michael Kirkum Snr added: “The Easter collection will be starting soon, that will be February, only about 10 weeks away.”

Well done for another amazing collection from all at the Ardrossan & Saltcoats Herald.