Christmas is a wonderful time of year where everything seems a little bit more magical. The world takes on a warm glow and children count down the days to Santa’s arrival, dreaming of the gifts they will wake up to on Christmas day. But unfortunately, the sad reality in our current social climate is that children up and down the country will be waking up to no gifts or even a hot meal or warm home.
Austerity has meant that one in 50 UK households used a food bank in 2018-19, with an estimated 3m food parcels being given out (source: Guardian). And it is set to increase as we head into a new decade.
At Christmas, every child deserves to experience the magic of Christmas and have something under the tree, no matter their circumstances. This is where Glasgow’s Spirit of Christmas comes in. Started in 2014, Glasgow’s Spirit of Christmas is a gift appeal supporting children living in poverty in Glasgow and the surrounding regions, including North and South Lanarkshire, Dumbartonshire, Renfrewshire, Inverclyde, Ayrshire, Argyll & Bute and East Renfrewshire.
I first became involved with Glasgow’s Spirit of Christmas in 2017, after stumbling across their Facebook group by a mere accident. After reading their cause and seeing the good that they do for the families around Glasgow, I knew I had to help.
Glasgow’s Spirit of Christmas primarily operates through a closed Facebook group which collates a list of partnering charities from Glasgow and the surrounding regions. Charities will announce their list of how many presents they need for children they help and you can select how many gifts you would like to pledge.
In 2018, the Glasgow’s Spirit of Christmas community donated over 11,000 presents to children across the Glasgow area. And this year, we want to donate even more! You can help in any form, whether it is pledging gifts or a monetary donation, any and all gifts are appreciated.
To have been a part of this effort the last three years has been a humbling experience. It’s comforting to know that even when the world seems dark, people are innately good and it’s true what people say – People make Glasgow.
To learn more about Glasgow’s Spirit of Christmas, click one of the links below.
Facebook: https://bit.ly/2rIstCh / https://bit.ly/36vR7Fa
Twitter: https://bit.ly/2RMdW3i
Instagram: https://bit.ly/2RPF41d
Website: https://bit.ly/33nCxRt
If you are reading this and not from Glasgow, that doesn’t mean you can’t help children in your local area. Look on Facebook for any local community groups to see what is set up locally. Check with your local charities and food banks to see how you can help. Find out which local shops/banks/services have drop-off points. And most importantly, share the word. Invite friends and family to join you in donating ‘gifts made with love’ and make the difference.
“Christmas isn’t about candy canes, Holly or lights all aglow. It’s about the hearts that we touch and care that we show.”
Until next time,
Ashleigh x
This is such a lovely idea. I hope to donate to my local food bank next year to help out in the community x
Your local supermarket should have collection points which makes it easier! That’s how I’ve been doing it. X