ADVENT TIME
Pupils at a Cambuslang school showed they knew the true meaning of Christmas by donating advent calenders to the Rutherglen and Cambuslang Foodbank.
Kids at James Aiton Primary delighted staff with their generosity in donating 60 calenders so less well off children could experience some of the magic of the season.
The idea came about after a member of the Parent Council, Carol Gerrard, spotted a Facebook post from comedian, Jason Manford.
He was urging people across the UK to give advent calenders to foodbanks to spread a little bit of Christmas cheer.
Carol and the rest of the Parent Council took the idea to the school, and they asked kids to bring in calenders to donate.
Another parent, Jen Scott, was instrumental in spreading the word, but in a school with a relatively small roll, everyone has been amazed with just how many advent calendars have been collected.
At the end of November, foodbank manager Anne Marie Graham popped along to the school to gratefully receive the donations.
Carol told the Reformer her own children, Shannon- Marie ( 7) and Sophia (4), were so excited about their own calendars and they wanted other children to experience that.
She said: “Buying an advent calendar when you are being stretched to the limit to put food on the table is at the bottom of many a parents’ lists.
“The school did a harvest assembly a few months ago for the foodbank, so they were aware of it, although it’s hard explaining to them that some families do not even have enough money for an advent calendar.
“My kids ran down the stairs on December 1, it was like they had never seen chocolate in their lives!
“Christmas is not just about one day anymore. It’s the whole build-up to it as well, it could be difficult for a child if all their friends have an advent calendar and they don’t.”
Foodbank manager , Anne Marie Graham revealed they had also received festive goodies from Theresa Donnelly, of Overton Grange, who organised a collection amongst her neighbours.
Anne Marie said: “At the Foodbank we’re delighted with the response of so many people to the need in our area they have responded with kindness and generosity by opening up their hearts and sharing what they have with those who don’t have much, this after all is what Christmas is all about.”