East Kilbride community group Share Alike distributed nearly 3,000 gifts to disadvantaged families during their annual EK Christmas Kindness Campaign.
The appeal, which reached out to individuals, businesses, retail partners and numerous organisations, sparked an incredible response.
Their dedicated team of volunteers worked tirelessly for six days and nights a week to hand out 2,870 gifts to those less fortunate.
And in a bid to combat loneliness and isolation in the South Lanarkshire town, Share Alike will be hosting a Christmas Day lunch for people who are struggling or on their own for the holiday.
As well as the festive aspect of their work, Share Alike’s community larder and cafe was open right up until Christmas Eve feeding a whopping 980 people.
Founder of the pro-active support organisation, Annmarie Campbell, said: “Share Alike run the largest Christmas campaign in East Kilbride.
“We were also getting referrals from various sources right up until Christmas Eve seeking help for people who were struggling.
“Emergency crisis packs were provided to people from all walks of life – workers, families unable to cope and others let down by a broken system.
“They find it difficult to say how much, or why, they are struggling but we are here to help them and are able to because of the tremendous support we get ourselves.”
Annmarie stressed that none of this could happen without the kindness and generosity of those who donate and, of course, Share Alike’s volunteers.
She said: “Our volunteers work all year round to ensure everything works smoothly and none of us are getting time off until Boxing Day.
“We open on Christmas Day to serve lunch for anyone on their own – our team sacrificing time with their families to make sure others less fortunate are looked after.
“Meanwhile, the community cafe and larder is opening two days a week at Christmas and New Year so no-one is left stuck.”
It has been a busy year at the charity’s premises, adjacent to the bus station, as they marked their millionth meal since starting out.
Speaking on social media one client said that it was not an exaggeration to say he “could not survive without Share Alike” – but an understatement.
Another hard-up resident, taking advantage of the larder’s unique points system, added: “The community larder points system gives amazing value for money. With the price increases in the shops you can get hardly anything for £5.
“But in here you can get a full basket for that and they always have an excellent range of vegetarian products. Even just getting a wee cuppa, sitting down and chatting with people means it is a social thing as well.
“£5 buys you 15 points and £9.50 gets you 30 points so, without a shadow of a doubt, it is excellent value for money.”
Using both the larder and cafe is open to all, there is no requirement to explain your circumstances.
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