A kind-hearted student was so impressed with the difference a Cambuslang charity makes to the lives of older people that he and his family made up Christmas gift packs for its most deserving clients.
After spending a work placement with LEAP, 27-year-old James Ross decided that the charity’s clients were more important than sending Christmas cards this year.
Instead, James and his family made up two dozen Christmas gift packs for the older people with whom LEAP works.
James delivered the first of these to Catherine McManus, aged 87, and brightened up her day.
He explained: “When I worked at LEAP, I realised how much the older people the charity works with need and appreciate that contact.
“So, when my mum and I started talking about what we were doing this Christmas,
we quickly decided to do something ourselves.
“After the year we have been through, we thought about people who might not have much to celebrate this Christmas and thought that this would be a great way of letting them know people care.
“We asked LEAP who they thought would most appreciate a gift at Christmas and it all started from there.
“And, as well as making up the gift packs, we were also really grateful to the manager at Rutherglen Poundland, who gave us their staff discount for everything we bought in the store.
“It is really great to know that there’s still some Christmas and community spirit out there.”
In the gift packs were stollen, mince pies, sweets, a card and a gift, as well as other treats.
Catherine was delighted to receive a gift and said: “I’m so grateful to LEAP and people such as James who support them.
“I’m really looking forward to opening my gift on Christmas day.”
If you would like to know more about LEAP, volunteer for the charity or know of someone who might benefit from its services, email enquiries@leap-project.co.uk or call 0141 641 5169.
