Rutherglen Reformer

Last gasp appeal for donations

- JONATHAN GEDDES

Staff at a Rutherglen building society are hoping to deliver a Christmas cracker for those in need.

Workers at the Nationwide building society on Rutherglen Main Street are currently collecting Christmas gifts that will go towards the South Lanarkshir­e branch of Action for Children, who oversee the Young Carers Project.

The branch is accepting donations until later this week, and are encouragin­g locals in the area to help out if they can.

Branch manager Gemma Hughes told the Reformer: “Over the last few years our colleagues in our local branch have been working alongside Action for Children with the aim of collecting Christmas gifts to help bring some festive cheer to children.

“This year we, along with our colleagues in Hamilton and Lanark, have reached out to the South Lanarkshir­e branch of Action for Children, who oversee the Young Carers Project.

“The Young Carers Project support children and young people aged eight to 18 and do really fantastic work.

“We have been overwhelme­d by the gifts members of Nationwide have dropped in already, and would welcome any more items – even something like a selection box can make a difference to kids this Christmas.”

Action for Children protects and supports children and young people, providing practical and emotional care and support, ensuring their voices are heard, and campaignin­g to bring lasting improvemen­ts to their lives.

Their Young Carers Project focuses on someone under 18 who looks after a parent or another family member, taking on physical and emotional duties that adults usually handle.

Their support helps young carers come to terms with their parent’s or other family member’s illness or condition, teaching them how to cope, and guiding them to build positive relationsh­ips outside the family.

Nationwide is collecting items through until Thursday, December 9.

 ?? ?? Staff Holly Alexander, Susan Hay and Fiona Henderson
Staff Holly Alexander, Susan Hay and Fiona Henderson

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