Charities and good causes were eager to express their appreciation to everyone who had donated, many of them making clear why their generosity was so important.
Sharon Allison, of the Family Help Hub at HMP/YOI Cornton Vale, said:“Once again a big thank you to the Stirling Observer and everyone who has supported the appeal from all of the staff at the Family Help Hub. The gifts will be much appreciated by all the families, especially what is a difficult time of year for them.
“A lot of these children are facing Christmas with an absent parent and we are trying to make this a happy Christmas for them. This also helps to support grandparents, some of them pensioners, who may be having to look after their grandchildren on a very limited budget. It can be a hard time for them in many ways, including financially so this support will really help.”
Kevin McKeown, of Stirling Council’s social services, said:“We’d like to thank the Stirling Observer and the people of Stirling for their generosity. This goes a long way to making Christmas a special occasion for the families we work with.”
Stirling Young Carers’ Charlene O’Neill said:“We support young carers aged from seven to 17 who have a significant role in looking after someone else who is experiencing illness or disability. Every young carer’s caring responsibilities differ and can undertake a range of tasks such as cooking, cleaning, shopping, providing nursing and personal care, emotional support and advocating on the person they care for’s behalf.
“As well as the gifts themselves, the support from the Stirling Observer helps ensure we are
recognised locally. It will also help to make a huge difference in raising the profile and increasing the identification of‘hidden young carers’in Stirling.”“The gifts from the Give A Gift Appeal support families who may be facing difficult times as being a young carer can have an impact on them emotionally, academically and financially. For example, they can be socially disadvantaged as they do not have the time to spend with friends and take part in extra-curricular activities which can lead in some situations to bullying as others do not understand their position. They can also be financially disadvantaged, as often their parents are unfit/ unable to work due to the caring situation, putting a financial strain on the family, impacting negatively on the young person.”Anne Allan, of Stirling Women’s Aid, said:“For a lot of our children the Give A Gift Appeal accounts for the bulk of the presents they will get. It is just so much appreciated.“The generosity of people is astonishing. To remember those who have nothing for Christmas at a time when everyone is so busy running about getting their own Christmas organised is worth so much. Here at Women’s Aid the presents donated helps to bring some Christmas cheer to families who have been through a lot of hardship. Thank you.”One mum supported by Women’s Aid at its local refuge said:“All those donating presents for Christmas makes such a difference to us. I did not think I would be able to give the kids any presents this year and then magically Women’s Aid helped through the presents they received as donations. Almost made me believe in Santa for real.” Caring and sharing Stirling and District Young Carers were among the charities being supported in their bid to give some particularly deserving children a special Christmas