Woollies team has appeal all wrapped up
Town rallies to help keep needy warm
Generous church-goers are making sure people in need stay warm this winter thanks to a Salvation Army appeal.
For the third year in a row, the Paisley church has run a Winter Woollies appeal asking people to donate hats, scarves, gloves and socks.
And they were bowled over by the generosity of fellow churchgoers, groups who use the Mill Street church hall and even Paisley’s own football club.
Susan Niven is the congregation member who organises the appeal.
She said: “We had a small piece in the Paisley Daily Express about the appeal last month and St Mirren got in touch with me and offered 15 bench jackets.
“It was very generous of them, they were brand new and still in the packaging.
“They’re really warm jackets and certainly showerproof. It was very kind.”
Susan said a lot of the congregation also use their knitting talents for the Winter Woolies appeal.
“One of the foodbank volunteers asked for wool and I’m a knitter, so I gave her some.
“The next thing, we got hats and scarves handed back in the same wool.
“People are taking the time and using their skills to make things, which is lovely.”
Susan started this year’s appeal at the beginning of October and put posters up around the Mill Street church hall and spread the word around the groups that use the hall, like Rockus Community Choir and a line dancing group.
Renfrewshire Foodbank and Barrhead Foodbank also got involved, with volunteers handing in lots of hats, scarves, gloves and socks.
And now that the collection has finished, Susan is in the process of distributing the mountain of warm woolly goods.
She explained: “We have a breakfast club in the hall every Friday morning for anyone who’s in need to come along and get a hot breakfast.
“Although they’re not all homeless, a lot of those attending are not in a position to pay huge heating bills, so this is quite good for them.
“We’ve been in touch with Paisley Street Pastors and they’re going to give them out as they’re going around Paisley and see people in need.
“We’ve also given some things to Glasgow Street Pastors as well.”
She added: “I like to do it because people are generous, especially at this time of year.
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