Thanks to all the social media santas

Well it seems a fair few of you got in to the Christmas spirit and read my blog post about Shelter Scotland's Blantyre project. Over 20 gifts were received just in time for Christmas, staff at the service had feared they would not be able to provide a gift for every child.

Linda Dickson, Service Manager at Shelter Scotland’s Support Service South Lanarkshire, said:

“We are overwhelmed by the level of support we have received and it just goes to show the positive impact social media can have. Homelessness can have a devastating effect on children’s lives and Christmas can be a particularly difficult time for them and their families.

On behalf of everyone at Shelter Scotland I would like to send a heartfelt thank you to those who donated a gift and made Christmas Day a very special time for the families and children we work with."

 

Help give a child a Xmas to remember

 

Shelter Scotland have 73 boys and girls - aged from 6 months to 16 years - at their South Lanarkshire services who might not get a present this year.

Does your house have any art supplies no longer being used? Or a Ben 10 action toy needing a new home? Or when Xmas shopping you could maybe pick up something extra to make a child's Christmas one they'll never forget.

Donations can be made to the families project at the Blantyre office - in person or via post (why not pay Amazon a wee visit).

I'll be sending a toy to the Blantyre project this week, I'd urge everyone who follows me on twitter to do the same. Lets make it a really special Christmas.

 

Helen Weston on the post-Christmas blues

SO CHRISTMAS is over, and now we have to deal with the aftermath. For many of us this will be a positive time; a chance to hit the shops with our gift vouchers, or to take up a new sport in an attempt to burn off unwanted festive girth, all the while safely ensconced in the happy glow from another wonderful Christmas.
For others though, the repercussions of this time of year will be more difficult, clouded by relationship problems and loneliness. For them, Christmas only serves to highlight the things that are missing or wrong in their lives.
read the full article on scotlandonsunday.scotsman.com