Generosity to warm hearts for appeal
GLASGOW has rallied round to make sure city pupils do not go cold this winter - just as we knew they would. Earlier this month the Glasgow Times joined forces with education bosses to put out the call for donations of cosy coats for our young people.
And the stories of generosity have been truly heartwarming.
Among the lovely acts of kindness include a woman who forfeited birthday presents in lieu of a donation to the Keeping Warm In Glasgow campaign and an anonymous donation of £ 500.
Councillor Chris Cunningham, Education, Skills and Early Years Convener said: “We’ve had a brilliant response in just over a week and I want to thank everyone so far who’s taken the time to donate to this worthy campaign.
“I’d also like to take the opportunity to thank the volunteers who’ve been sorting and delivery to schools and nurseries across the city so that our children and young people will benefit from some additional warm clothing.”
Coronavirus safety regulations mean that windows and doors in classrooms must be kept open to aid ventilation. In the winter months, this means drafty classrooms and pupils wrapping up warm.
But sadly not all the city’s families can afford appropriate clothing.
So we asked readers to donate good quality coats and hoodies.
Donations have been coming into drop off points across the city since the launch of the appeal.
Volunteers sorted through the first batch at The Lighthouse in the city centre on Thursday, finding a great assortment of good quality jackets, coats and scarves.
Now 50 schools have packs made up – some schools one bag and some two.
The South and North West were being delivered throughout yesterday and some of the North East, with the remaining going out on Monday.
A total of 27 primary schools, 14 secondaries and nine nurseries will receive coats and warm clothes.
Among the donations was a £ 500 anonymous donation by a member of the public, which director of education Maureen McKenna has used to buy new coats and jackets.
A lady who only gave her name as Sheila donated six new jackets to St
Roch’s Primary School last week – it was her birthday and wanted to spend money on the coats instead of herself.
And Glasgow sustainable textile company Maker and Producer donated 100 scarves.
Mr Cunningham added: “Even in these challenging times it’s heartening to hear about the anonymous clothing and financial donations – people really do make our city great.”
Donations can be dropped off at The Lighthouse on Mitchell Lane or at these community centres between 9am and 4pm: Barlanark, Castlemilk, Bellcraig, Darnley, Govanhill, Maryhill, Possilpoint, Penilee and Ruchazie.