I'll kick off with some good news about our Children's Christmas POP UP Shop now in its 3rd year. It was inspired by the news that 26% of children in our Wee County were living in poverty, principally the children of low waged working parents. We accept donations of pre-loved, out grown or unwanted toys, books, clothes, gift sets, decorations etc and make them available in the shop on a 'pay what you can' basis so that parents and carers can have the joy and dignity of choosing gifts for their wee ones that are within their budget however little that may be. All monies collected in the sealed buckets are subsequently donated to the 2 local food-banks (£3,000+ so far).
This year our local council are leasing us some town centre former offices for 6 weeks on a rent free, pay the power bills and insurance basis. Our friendly across the road Hairdressers will again be Key Holders and I expect our local bakers and cafes will again hand in lunches for the volunteer 'shop assistants'. The local statutory and voluntary services will distribute flyers to their clients, the Men's shed will contribute wooden toys they have made, the knitting group will bring baby clothes and blankets. Our local not-for-profit Recycling firm has already collected, washed and disinfected 2 builders bags full of discarded toys (see picture) which one of our members described as the 'ultimate pop-up shop starter kit'.
This whole enterprise has snowballed from a reaction to a Social Work request to donate prewrapped i.e. unchecked, presents to be handed out to needy children, which we felt was so wrong in so many ways. Our way allows parents/carers to provide a happy Christmas by their own efforts as donators, helpers, shoppers.
