The founder of a north-east community project that has helped thousands of the last 15 years has stressed help is available throughout the year – not just in December.
The Buchan Giving Tree started off by giving families a helping hand at Christmas but the group has grown over the years, providing school supplies and warm clothing.
In its first year, the group helped 20 families at Christmas. This year, the team handed out 2,285 gifts to make sure no child went without.
Shona Watson, who set up the group, is now keen to reach out to help even more people throughout the year.
She said: “We help all year round, not just at Christmas.
“We just want to help as many people as we can. We want people to know we are here for them and we will do what we can to help.
“We help local communities all year round, whether that’s providing children with a warm jacket or providing school supplies.
“We’re constantly thinking of ways we can improve what we do that’ll allow us to help more people in need but we need people to come to us as well.”
There is a team of volunteers behind the Buchan Giving Tree, and Miss Watson thanked them for their support.
“People from all over the community know who we are and what we do,” she added. “People and are keen to help us in whatever way they can.
“I never originally planned for it to become as big as it has but I’m so glad it did. I have met many wonderful people whist running this project for 15 years and the kindness and generosity of the local people never fails to amaze me.”
Anyone who needs support, or who would like to find out more about the Buchan Giving Tree, should e-mail shona7watson@gmail.com
