Countdown to our festive appeal...
Christmas is a time of celebration. A time for loving, caring, sharing and enjoying special moments with friends and family.
Yet for some, it can be a difficult time filled with anxiety, when their financial constraints are tested to the limit.
While the majority of families across the greater East Kilbride area can enjoy the decadence of the festive period, there are thousands who will go without.
There are many in the area who can only dream of Christmas stockings overflowing with toys and selection boxes, extravagantly flavoured take-away coffees, a well-stocked fridge and a luxurious dinner table.
So, the East Kilbride News is teaming up with EK, East Kilbride and Sainsbury’s to launch our ‘reverse Advent calendar’ in support of a lifeline charity.
Instead of receiving 24 treats on the countdown to Christmas, families, schools and businesses are asked to place 24 FOOD or NEW TOY items in a box or bag and donate them to Loaves and Fishes Foodbank.
That means those dependent on the charity can enjoy Christmas that little bit more, with Loaves and Fishes offering up food parcels and toys for those in need this Christmas.
The foodbank is supported by local churches and community groups, who work together towards stopping hunger in the area.
If strictly adhering to the reverse advent calendar idea, readers should start to assemble their boxes from Wednesday, November 20 and submit them at EK East Kilbride by Friday, December 13.
Toy donations can be made to the Customer Service desk at EK, East Kilbride, and food donations made to Sainsbury’s in the Olympia Centre.