Cram the Van 2022

With the current cost of living crisis which is due to get worse by the winter months, Radio Skye knows it will be another difficult year for families and want to be able to support more children and young people this Christmas. In 2021, CRAM THE VAN supported more than 220 young people with toys, clothing, toiletries, gift vouchers and Christmas treats which mean families who are struggling can enjoy Christmas knowing their children will have something to open on Christmas morning.

How Cram The Van works>

Radio Skye works in collaboration with local agencies including the Highland Council’s children services, social work, welfare and benefits, the youth action team, and the criminal justice department. The station also collaborated with Women’s Aid, Skye and Lochalsh Young Carers, Skye and Lochalsh Health Visitor Services and Skye and Lochalsh Citizens Advice Bureau.The toys and gifts are distributed to families to give to their children as their own gifts, so they can wrap them and use the vouchers to either give directly or buy something for their children. The campaign is completely confidential and aims to take the pressure off families at a tough time of year.

The appeal caters for all age groups from babies, 0 months onwards whose families will receive vouchers, new clothing and age appropriate toys, all age groups of children who receive toys and young people up to the age of 19 with gift vouchers, toiletries and selection packs.

The appeal asks for the local community to donate brand new toys via our toy bins that are distributed in early November and collection tins for cash donations. We also have a dedicated Just Giving page as the main toy appeal is launched.

Cram the Van is sponsored by Rankins Supermarket, Uig and Cormack Painters and Decorators and is supported by many local businesses and organisations. Despite the increase of available funding Cram the Van still struggles to meet all the funds needed to supply vouchers for young people and this year, we want to start our fundraising early so we can make sure we can meet the need.

Many people believe there is little poverty in this area but rural poverty is a huge issue here with many families struggling to make ends meet and getting further into debt.

Publication: Poverty in rural Scotland

Since the Covid Pandemic, the need has increased and the requests from the agencies we work with continue to rise in numbers. We want to make sure every child and young person has the chance to enjoy the festive period so if you can give just a little, we can help make that happen.