Here’s to the special people who help

LINDA FABIANI MSP

I hope that this Christmas season brings some joy for everyone in East Kilbride.

It has been hard times for some and it’s been good to see so many East Kilbride residents and companies recognise this by contributing to the town’s food banks and Christmas gift appeals.

My constituency office put together a‘reverse advent calendar’for a food-box for delivery in time for Christmas.

Many local businesses have been doing likewise for donation to the EK Community Foodbank, and Loaves and Fishes. EDF Energy broke their own record yet again by giving 350+ Christmas gifts to South Lanarkshire Council’s Social Work Department; these will be distributed to families in East Kilbride and Strathaven.

This is a great initiative where staff donate to the‘Giving Tree’on the premises.

The Salvation Army has an annual present collection too, with the volunteer team working tirelessly to wrap up presents right up to the last minute.

Many churches’congregations have special giving services and I always feel that it a special privilege to be asked to go along.

Christmas and New Year time though can be a hard, hard time for those grieving the loss of someone they love.

Although I didn’t manage to attend this year, I have found the‘Light-aLight’service at Kilbryde Hospice particularly special.

A lovely way to remember much-loved people at the time of year when we miss them most.

Here’s to a special time of year; here’s to all the very special people in East Kilbride; here’s to a peaceful Christmas.