Appeal to Rutherglen and Cambuslang residents to give a gift and spread Christmas joy at a difficult time

-Credit: (Image: Contributed)
-Credit: (Image: Contributed)


Residents in Rutherglen and Cambuslang who can afford to are being asked to share the real joy of Christmas to those in their communities who may be struggling.

Healthy n Happy Community Development Trust are appealing to those who can, to donate a gift and add a bit of Christmas sparkle to those who need it most in what will be a difficult season for many.

They are accepting new gifts donations until Sunday, December 1, and the key gift drop off point and sorting station is in Rutherglen Exchange Shopping Centre, 212-219 Main Street, Rutherglen G73 2LS, next to Salvation Army shop.

They are encouraging people to pop an extra gift in their basket to the value of £5 to £10 while out shopping and drop it off at the donation point. These will be distributed to local children, teenagers, families, and older residents.

Gifts for children and young people (boys, girls or unisex) could include toys, books, headphones and should be suitable for those aged: 0-2, 2-5, 5-8, 8-12, 12+ years.

Gift ideas for older residents and mums and dads could be items such as, hat, scarf, gloves, socks, books, bath/shower gifts. Only new gifts are accepted.

The Healthy n Happy Community Development Trust charity is also looking for sensory items/gifts for children and adults with disabilities.

The drop-off point is open weekdays from 10am to 2pm, and at the same times on Saturday, November 30 and Sunday, December 1.

READ MORE: Fifty years on former London art students reach out to find friend from Rutherglen

Brendan Rooney, Executive Director from Healthy n Happy Community Development Trust said: “We’re excited to partner with Rutherglen Exchange Shopping Centre for this year’s Give a Gift of Joy campaign and thank them sincerely for their support.

"We’d also like to thank Co-op on Rutherglen Main Street, Cambuslang BankHUB, 158 Main Street Cambuslang and Numark Pharmacy Drumsagard, 2A Hallside Court, Cambuslang for being our other gift drop off points.

Pictured centre is Jane Cowan, Rutherglen Exchange Centre Manager Jane Cowan with from left to right, Healthy n Happy's Victoria Ram, Senior Team Leader, and Project Workers Janice Fountain, Natasha Wheeler, and Tess Milligan -Credit:Handout
Pictured centre is Jane Cowan, Rutherglen Exchange Centre Manager Jane Cowan with from left to right, Healthy n Happy's Victoria Ram, Senior Team Leader, and Project Workers Janice Fountain, Natasha Wheeler, and Tess Milligan -Credit:Handout

"This season will be a very difficult time of year for lots of residents in Cambuslang and Rutherglen with the continuing cost of living crisis and continuing high energy costs. So we would ask people to support this gift drive if they can and help make someone’s Christmas easier and better”.

Jane Cowan, Centre Manager at Rutherglen Exchange, added: “We’re delighted to be involved and to help facilitate this wonderful gift campaign. Our retailers have a fabulous range of gifts to suit all ages which may provide some inspiration when choosing gifts to donate”.

READ MORE: Santa will be bringing his reindeer with him to Rutherglen school's Christmas Fair

You can also drop-off gifts at CO-OP supermarket, Rutherglen between 7am and 10pm; Cambuslang BankHUB between 9am and 5pm; and Numark Pharmacy, Drumsagard from 9am to 6pm on weekdays and until 5pm on Saturdays.

If you know someone who’s struggling and needs some help with Christmas gifts, or if you or your family need some assistance, Healthy n Happy Community Development Trust may be able to help.

You can complete an online form at: www.healthynhappy.org.uk/christmas2024 Or call us on 0141 646 0123.

*Don't miss the latest headlines from around Lanarkshire. Sign up to our newsletters here.

And did you know Lanarkshire Live had its own app? Download yours for free here.