Donations to Hamilton's Salvation Army mean 150 families get to enjoy their own Christmas dinner

By Gillian ProvanSTV Hamilton

Christmas cheer: Woodside Primary School 


 help Major Glad

Around 150 families in Hamilton will be getting a little help from the Salvation Army this Christmas.

Collections at the Salvation Army Band's performances in Hamilton and donations from individuals will help some of the area’s most deprived households enjoy their Christmas.

Commanding officer of the Salvation Army Community Church in Hamilton, Major Glad Ljungholm explained: “Money raised locally stays locally. To make sure the funds are not squandered, we help the families with their food shopping. It enables them to buy food for a Christmas dinner and to enjoy their day.

“This year 150 families in Hamilton will benefit but we’re still getting phone calls.”

Children from Woodside Primary School were so interested in the Salvation Army’s appeal the P7 class decided to donate the money they raised through a social enterprise project to the charity.

Donations

The class presented Glad with a cheque for £80 which they had raised through a showcase on the Second World War.

Woodside Primary School's Elaine Wardrop said: “They displayed their work to their parents and the rest of the school in the gym hall and held an Open Day for both parents and peers to visit.

“Along with their work they had also organised stalls selling World War Two items which they had made. They sold calendars, Mexican eyes, pom-poms and many more items. In doing this they managed to make an amazing £160.”

After raising the money the class voted on how it should be spent and the pupils decided to put half towards new arts equipment and half to the Salvation Army.

Elaine added: “Woodside Primary is very proud of their responsible citizens!”

Homeless

Hamilton people should also spare a thought for those without a home to go to this Christmas.

After one of the coldest December’s in history, local churches will be working together to ensure anyone without a place to go for the night will have a hot meal on Christmas Day.

A South Lanarkshire Council spokesperson said: “All Supported Accommodation units provide meals for their residents at Christmas. Supported Accommodation units are managed by Charities and they have a budget provided by their individual organisations Salvation Army and Blue Triangle Housing Association.

“In addition Lindsay House, in East Kilbride, which is supported accommodation with SLC staff have been funded from Charitable Donations given to them by housing colleagues, which allow them to give residents a Christmas Meal and provide gifts. Homeless Families have also been provided with gifts donated by various organisations such as local press, local firms and charitable organisation, as well as Cash for Kids and these have been distributed over the last few weeks.”