Charity appeal has ‘a little bit of love’
A LOCAL charity is boxing clever as it launches a Christmas appeal to help families in need.
Mind Mosaic Child and Family Therapies are running a ‘Little Box of Love’ campaign and appealing for donations of toys, winter clothing, gift vouchers, baby items, sweets and chocolates to give to families.
They hope to fill hundreds of boxes for needy households.
Sandra Boyle, founding director and chief executive of the organisation, said: “We’ve been absolutely delighted that people have come forward already saying that they will save things for us.
“Sainsbury’s in Gourock have launched their appeal in aid of us, so customers have been able to drop things off there.
“St John’s Church of Scotland in Gourock, The Royal Bank on Cathcart Street and their partner branch in Largs are collecting things as well.
“I’m absolutely delighted that the appeal is being supported so much by the community and that we’ll be able to help people again.
“We’ve even had a big parcel come in to us from a lady in Ireland who’d knit lots of baby clothes.”
The charity set up the initiative following conversations and feedback from children and families using their services.
Sandra added: “As counsellors, family workers and a place offering therapy, we are often on the rough end hearing first-hand how tough it is for people. Children will often tell us through play and conversation what their situation is at home and how they are maybe often hungry, or they talk about their physical and mental wellbeing.
“Once the appeal ends, we will be distributing boxes alongside our partners - including social work, Home Start Inverclyde, Inverclyde Women’s Aid, head teachers, our own ‘Wee Minds’ group, and health visitors - who have a set of people that would benefit from receiving one. We put together boxes for babies, children, teenagers, young parents, and parents.”
The appeal will be running until December 15 and donations can be dropped off at any of the local collection points, as well as Mind Mosaic Child Family Therapies centre, located at 20 Pottery Street in Greenock.
More information on the scheme and items needed can be found at www.mindmosaicchildren.co.uk/post/a-little-boxof-christmas