Residents are being encouraged to spread some magic on Christmas Eve by ringing bells on their doorsteps.
Friends Yvonne Sartain and Tracy Kane are urging people across Dumbarton and the Vale to come together and raise festive spirits after a difficult year.
Mass bell ringing is taking place in towns and villages across the UK – as well as globally – and now the pals are calling on locals to get involved.
The inspiration comes from people across the UK clapping for the NHS at the beginning of the country’s big lockdown, as a way of bringing everyone together.
Yvonne and Tracy, who both work at the Co-op in Balloch, have set up a Facebook group called ‘Christmas 2020 jingle all the way West Dunbartonshire’, which has over 1200 members.
It states: “Following in the footsteps of Scotland, I’d like to make this more personal to our local area. 2020 hasn’t been the best and as a community we should come together and spread some Christmas cheer as we all know Santa’s sledge doesn’t fly without happiness and goodwill, so share this in our local community and let’s get outside on Christmas Eve and sing and ring our bells.
“Let’s make the most of this year’s Christmas as Santa needs lots of singing and bells ringing to work his magic.”
Some of the members have been making specially made homemade bells for the night, including plans to post some through elderly neighbours doors with thoughtful messages.
Speaking to the Lennox Herald, Yvonne said: “We saw that it was taking place in England and we decided we wanted to spread some Christmas cheer here too.
“It’s been a rotten year and we want to raise spirits and help Santa on his way.
“We’re asking everyone to grab their bells and join us on their doorsteps at 6pm on Christmas Eve.”
The big-hearted friends have also been helping their communities by organising a gift appeal for Haldane Youth Services.
Shoppers have been dropping off presents at the Balloch supermarket to help struggling families.
Yvonne explained: “We do a lot for the community in the Co-op and we decided to do the appeal this year to help out families who are especially struggling this year with the pandemic.
“Everyone has been really generous and we’re so grateful.”
Bringing positivity to the community is important to the friends, with Tracy also painting stones with positive messages and hiding them in different places across the area to cheer people up.
