Spreading festive cheer in Burnhill
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JONATHAN GEDDES
Kind-hearted Burnhill locals helped spread some festive cheer over Christmas – and helped others in the process.
In 2018, Elizabeth McDonald of the Burnhill Family Hub handed out hampers to grateful residents just prior to the big day.
And she was happy to act as Santa Claus once again, organising a handout of gifts to around 25 locals.
There was an added surprise this time, with youngsters acting as a choir, singing carols and Christmas songs while the gifts were being handed out.
Mum Elizabeth told the Reformer that she was left “buzzing” after the handout of gifts.
She said: “We had so many more people getting involved this year.
“We filled the goody bags with hats, scarves, wee gifts and wee candles, so it was a lovely mixture. I think what had the biggest impact was that people were opening the door and seeing the kids singing the carols to them.
“It really seemed to bring a smile to their faces.
“A lot of people seemed to be expecting someone collecting money, so they were touched when they saw what we were actually doing.
“I’d been tired during the day but I was buzzing by the end of this.”
Several local businesses helped with providing the gifts.
Also full of Christmas spirit were Nicole Kane and Chloe McLean, who both volunteer at the family hub.
They recently organised two ‘Breakfast with Santa’ events for the community, providing a pre-Christmas treat for youngsters in the area.
Clydesdale bank donated selection boxes, cereal and reindeer dust for all 80 children who attended, while Warburtons donated the bread, pancakes and rolls.
Both kids and adults had a terrific time at the event.
Elizabeth believes that the yuletide events show that Burnhill is providing plenty of community spirit.
She added: “In previous years we kept ourselves to ourselves, but now there is a lot more community spirit coming through.
“One of the big reasons for these groups was to get people involved in making the area better and it’s good to see that is happening.”