Please help us spread some winter warmth and joy
New groups want your help
Two new voluntary groups are doing their best to make life easier for those who are hungry and in need.
A Helping Hand and Renfrewshire Helping Those in Need have launched to provide support to vulnerable people in Renfrewshire in the run-up to Christmas.
Volunteer Amanda Macdonald says she was inspired to start Renfrewshire Helping Those in Need ahead of the holidays because winter can be the toughest time of year for struggling families.
She said: “Our aim is to have no family going through the worry or stress of not having the basic necessities to live.
“Since Christmas is fast approaching we are asking companies to consider donating gifts for children who will wake up on Christmas morning with nothing.”
Renfrewshire Helping Those in Need do not apply a limit to the number of donations that can be made and Amanda says that all donations, no matter how big or small, are always welcomed.
She said: “I myself faced poverty within my family as a child and know the struggles of holidays. We rely on kind donations to make our goals reality.
“This would be an amazing way to stop end-of-line clothing being thrown in trash when so many families could hugely benefit from your help.”
Renfrewshire was recently hit with the tragic news that Ian Kirkland had died after sleeping rough in the heart of Paisley’s town centre. Steph Hill, who founded A Helping Hand, a non-profit that collects warm clothes, food and toiletries for those in need, said it was this devastating news that encouraged her to take action.
She explained: “It is obviously so needed. His sister told me that when he was found he had three sleeping bags and it wasn’t even autumn yet.
“It just goes to show how much help is needed and these things -– warm clothes, food – can actually prevent death. A Helping Handsisn’t about fixing homelessness but if we can offer Helping Hand Paisley was set up by Linwood mum Steph Hill a bit of comfort and give people a little conversation then it is all worthwhile.”
Steph is calling on all Buddies to hand in supplies in aid of the worthy cause.
“We have a drop off at Alpha Taxis in Johnstone and people can come in and donate when ever they want,” Steph said.
“We’re collecting right up until October 20 when we will be running a donation day at Paisley Abbey.”
The event will run from 10am to 3pm and everyone is encouraged to go along and hand in food, clothes, sleeping bags and toilettes.
Starting on November 13, the group will then take to the streets every Tuesday evening outside Marks and Spencers on the High Street to provide hot food, clothing, bedding and shoes to people who are living on the streets.
Steph said: “We don’t want this project to be just for Christmas. We want it to continue for as long as we possibly can in hope of permanently being able to help those in need.”
To learn more about A Helping Hand please email ahelpinghandpaisley@ outlook.com. To find out how to donate to Renfrewshire Helping Those in Need, search for their Facebook page.
If we can offer a bit of comfort and give people a little conversation then it is all worthwhile