Supply packs help 1500 schoolkids
ASOUTH Side-based office supplies company is handing out free homeschooling supply packs, after being inspired by footballer Marcus Rashford.
Andy Penman and Alan Howat, directors at McMillan Office Supplies in Pollokshaws, have created free packs filled with items such as notebooks, rulers, pens and pencils – getting the idea from the free school lunches campaign spearheaded by the Manchester United player.
Andy said: “We had seen a lot about the free school lunches and food pack campaign that Marcus Rashford had got behind and it inspired us to do something to help out.
“We thought if people don’t have enough to buy lunches, then they definitely won’t have enough to buy school supplies to home-school with, and without these supplies kids often just give up with their work.”
Parents across the country have been left home-schooling their children as coronavirus restrictions closed schools after the Christmas break.
The company has so far handed out 500 packs to families across the
South Side, with another 1000 being handed out this week.
Alan said: “It opens your eyes a bit to how many people just need this help. When speaking to parents who are looking for the packs, they’re saying that they’ve asked the school for supplies to be sent home but that just isn’t in the school’s budget.
“We’ve also been working with a few local schools to help distribute the packs to pupils.
“We can’t say no to anyone who needs help. We are currently working restricted to the South Side however, because that’s what our resources at the moment can allow us to do.”
McMillan Office Supplies has been in the community for around 35 years, and bosses say the packs are a way of giving back to the community that has supported the firm.
Andy said: “It really is all about community.
“When we put the Facebook post up last Wednesday, the amount of responses we got was unbelievable.
“It feels great to be a part of and help that heartfelt, giving community that has supported us since we opened in 1987.”
Alan said: “We have had more than 1000 families get in touch with us but even if it had only been 10 then it would have still been well worth it to do these packs.”
It opens your eyes a bit to how many people just need this help