Jolly Christmas served up for those in need
Dozens to attend free Christmas Day celebrations
Uddingston’s Jollytots and Cookies Play Cafe will open its doors to spread some goodwill on Christmas Day once again.
Preparations are well underway at the Old Mill Road venue to offer a festive meal and companionship to dozens of people experiencing loneliness, poverty or homelessness at this time of year.
Cafe owner Gail Gillon is hoping to replicate the success of last year’s event, at which 54 people were treated to a Christmas Day to remember.
So far this year, Gail and her team have more than 60 people on the list to attend, and each will receive a three-course meal, as well as gifts and the chance of a festive haircut, all free of charge.
She said: “So many people have little to celebrate and this is one of the reasons why Jollytots and Cookies is opening on Christmas Day for free to those who are lonely, in poverty or homeless.
“On the day a whole host of volunteers will devote some time to making this one day special. From a three-course meal to hairdressers and gifts, everyone who joins us will know some friendship and love.
“This has only been made possible by the generosity of the community and further afield.
“Last year, I told my staff that they had not to attend on the day. They work hard all year round and deserve the day off. However, some of the girls have absolutely insisted on volunteering this Christmas Day, which is fantastic.
“One of the girls, Lucy Moore, is a singer and will also be performing on the day.”
Staff at Jollytots and Cookies have been overwhelmed with the response from the public, with donations flooding through the door on an almost daily basis since this year’s plans were announced on Facebook.
As well as donations of food, stockings full of gifts have been handed in for distribution on the day.
Kind-hearted staff at the neighbouring Tunnock’s factory also dropped by with an envelope stuffed with more than £1000 in cash after having a whip round.
Gail said: “There has been a fantastic response and we are now at capacity with over 65 people joining us.
“We are now just looking for donations of non-perishable foods if anyone wishes to help.
“I’d like to thank the community for pitching in and opening their hearts to those less fortunate. We are overwhelmed by the generosity and good wishes.
“We wish everyone a very merry and peaceful Christmas and a wonderful new year.”
You can keep up-to-date with the appeal at Jollytots and Cookies www.facebook.com/ jollytotsandcookies.