Making Xmas a card happy affair
North Lanarkshire Council has launched a festive appeal to support families struggling to afford presents for their children.
The Give a Gift Card campaign aims to give people greater flexibility and choice as they can buy presents suitable for their child’s age, interests or needs.
From October 21 to November 21, anyone in North Lanarkshire can donate a gift card worth at least £10.
They can be left at any of the drop-off points located in 10 of the council’s First Stop Shops.
Council employees are being encouraged to contribute to this gift card appeal, by using one of the 16 drop-off locations placed across council buildings.
The council’s deputy leader Paul Kelly said:
“North Lanarkshire people showed enormous generosity last year and we’re sure the response to our gift card appeal will be as overwhelming on this occasion.
“As we approach the festive season many families will feel under the strain, struggling to afford presents to have under the tree on Christmas Day.
“Give a Gift Card wants to alleviate some of the pressure on those families by offering them not just a present, but a choice.
“We’re asking for gift card donations worth at least £10 that can be exchanged for suitable presents for children and teenagers.
“Your contribution can go a long way and make a real difference to someone’s Christmas who otherwise may receive very little.”
This year, the council has teamed up with partners, businesses and large employers to boost the donations and ensure a large number of families can be supported through this initiative. NHS, Co-op, Mears, Amey, Routes to Work, Culture and Leisure NL, Engie or Morgan Sindall are some of the organisations and companies that have joined forces to help make this Give a Gift Card appeal a success.
Donations will be taken until November 21 to allow enough time for families to use their gift cards.
No items other than gift cards will be accepted and they should be exchangeable for presents suitable for an age range from 0 to 18.
Walk-in donations can be dropped off at Motherwell and Wishaw First Stop Shops on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 8.45am to 4.45pm; Wednesday from 10am to 4.45pm and 8.45am to 4.15pm on Friday.
You can also donate at the Shotts First Stop Shop from 10am to 2pm Monday to Friday.