Paisley parents struggling to put food on the table have inspired a local nursery to back Renfrewshire Foodbank.
Carriagehill Nursery has collected masses of food for the local charity after managers learned some of its own families had been forced to seek support from the lifeline service.
Families whose children attend the Carriagehill and its sister nursery in Greenl Road have donated a wealth of food in the run up to Christmas alongside colouring books and gifts for children receiving food parcels.
Nursery manager Heather Murphy said: “The first time we did a collection was after a parent confided in me that she had to use the foodbank.
“This parent explained that they were having a really difficult time.
“That really hit home that the foodbank was a local resource and that it was being used by families attending a private nursery.
“That was really what started it and we have been doing it for a few yeas now.”
Heather added: “The collection is also a really good way for children to understand these acts of kindness.
“If you do a collection of money, they don’t always understand but when they bring in a physical thing we can explain it’s going to families that are finding things hard just now.
“So it’s a really hands-on way of learning that lesson about supporting others.”
The support for the food drive has been overwhelming with the nurseries’ 120 families offering donations.
The event has coincided with fun days at the nurseries with Christmas Jumper Day and festive activities.
Christine Morgan, depute manager at Carriagehill Nursery, said: “Every year the collection goes really well but this year the families have brought in an amazing amount of stuff and we are really grateful to parents for their support.
“We know, with all that has happened this year, that a lot of families are struggling and we really hope this will help them.
“It’s been really emotional to see it all. People have donated everything from cleaning items to fun things for kids like selection boxes and colouring books.”
