Tag: Christmas tree and festive food exchange

Locals urged to help families this Christmas by donating decorations and treats

The Leith Collective launches Christmas tree and festive food exchange

As the temperature drops and heating bills rise, many families across Edinburgh are facing a crisis this Christmas.

The choice between heating and eating is an all too real dilemma for many, which means this Christmas will be one of sacrifices and shortages for those struggling to make ends meet. However, one local Community Interest Company is working hard to ensure those in need can still experience the spirit of Christmas. 

Friday 1st December will see The Leith Collective launch its Christmas tree and festive food exchange across its four Scottish stores. Locals are being urged to search their homes for any unwanted Christmas trees and decorations that may be languishing in cupboards and attics.

Non-perishable store cupboard essentials and festive treats are also being accepted. Because it’s the little things that can make all the difference and lift the spirits of families in need at this time of year. 

All items will be available for anyone to collect at Edinburgh’s Fort Kinnaird and Ocean Terminal, and Glasgow’s St Enoch Centre and Glasgow Fort completely free of charge. No stigma, no judgement, no questions asked. 

The Leith Collective founder, Sara Thomson, explains why the Christmas tree and festive food exchange is so necessary; “We’ve heard a lot of talk this year about people ‘feeling the pinch’ of rising costs, but from what I’ve seen, that’s a massive understatement.

“There are people genuinely struggling to survive. Christmas is a time for giving, and the gift of a Christmas tree, some decorations and a few treats to a family that has nothing is a lovely way to show them that they matter, that they are not forgotten, and that they too deserve to be included in the magic of Christmas”.

Liam Smith, centre director at Fort Kinnaird, said: “The Leith Collective works hard all year round to support our local community. We saw first-hand just how needed the free school uniform exchange was in the summer and the impact it made to local families – and the festive season will be no different.

“Many of us have Christmas decorations we no longer use which could make another family’s festive season really special. I’d like to thank our visitors for their ongoing support towards these initiatives and ask that they donate what they can to The Leith Collective this Christmas.”

Christmas trees, decorations and non-perishable festive food can be dropped off or collected at The Leith Collective at Fort Kinnaird, Ocean Terminal, St Enoch Centre and Glasgow Fort during opening hours.

It is hoped that by hosting the Christmas tree and festive food exchange in these accessible locations, those that have can help those that don’t, which is after all what Christmas is all about.

Help those whose Christmas is in danger of becoming a casualty of the cost of living crisis

The Leith Collective launches Christmas tree and festive food exchange

With the cost of living rising ever higher, many of us are scrutinising our spending and cutting back. Frivolous non-essentials are the first things to be struck off the shopping list, and there is a genuine fear this could mean many families will be forced to sacrifice their Christmas in order to make ends meet.

However, one local Community Interest Company is working hard to ensure those in need can still experience and enjoy the spirit of Christmas. Tuesday 1st November will see The Leith Collective launch its Christmas tree and festive food exchange across its three Scottish stores. 

Locals are being urged to search their homes for any unwanted Christmas trees and decorations that may be languishing in cupboards and attics. Non-perishable store cupboard essentials and festive treats are also being accepted. All items will be available for anyone to collect at Ocean Terminal, Fort Kinnaird and St Enoch Centre completely free of charge, no questions asked. 

The Christmas initiative comes just a month after the launch of The Leith Collective’s winter coat exchange which has received an overwhelming response so far, with over 1,000 coats donated and collected by locals.  

The Leith Collective founder, Sara Thomson, explains why she is keen to build on the momentum of the winter coat exchange and go further to help those who are struggling;

“For many people, 2022 has been a real financial struggle, and buying a Christmas tree and festive food will prove to be too much of a stretch this year. These things aren’t ‘essentials’, and it’s highly likely that for them Christmas will be yet another casualty of the cost of living crisis.

“But I believe everyone deserves to have a nice Christmas, and what better way to spread festive cheer than by donating to others and lifting their spirits when they need it most.”

Christmas trees and non-perishable festive food can be dropped off or collected at The Leith Collective at Ocean Terminal, The Leith Collective at Fort Kinnaird, and The Clydeside Collective at St Enoch Centre during opening hours.

It is hoped that by hosting the Christmas tree and festive food exchange in these accessible locations that those currently experiencing difficulties will be able to receive a much-needed helping hand.