Glasgow storage business GTW Storage and several other local businesses have announced their commitment to supporting local charity Be Someone’s Santa (SCIO) over the 2024 festive period.
Providing Christmas gifts for disadvantaged children and young adults in Glasgow who are likely to otherwise go without, Be Someone’s Santa started as a small collection in the city’s South Side, but has since grown arms and legs.
With the help of relevant social care teams, each child is identified, nominated and subsequently allocated to a registered pledger, who, provided with their age and gender, will donate an appropriate gift to ensure each child is given something suited to them.
As the cost of living continues to rise, efforts to provide meaningful support are more critical than ever. Providing joy, relief and dignity to families all around Glasgow, the efforts of the charity and like-minded local businesses have never been more vital.
As one of the businesses working with Be Someone’s Santa this year, the GTW team is keen to champion local causes and provide necessary support for families in need. In addition to donating a sum of money, GTW has also offered warehouse space on its premises for the cause, dedicating it to the collection, organisation, and distribution of toys, clothing, and other gifts.
Alongside GTW Storage, Glasgow marketing agency GRA and a selection of their clients have also volunteered their support through donations and volunteer efforts, underscoring the initiative’s ability to galvanise local businesses into a collective community-wide effort.
Sarah & Jane, the sister team at the helm of family-run business, GTW Storage said: “Christmas is always a big event for our family and when we learned about the incredible work that Be Someone’s Santa is doing, we knew we had to help. No child should go without feeling the joy of Christmas, and we’re proud to support this charity by providing them the space they need to organise and store the gifts. It’s a small gesture that can make a big difference in the lives of these children and young adults”
Now delivering 3,000 gifts each year, the charity that started as the efforts of one determined mum was awarded charitable status in 2021 and is maintained entirely by a small team of unpaid volunteers. In 2023, the charity raised an incredible £5,499 in addition to physical donations.
Businesses looking to pledge their support to the appeal can get involved in several ways.
Group registration: Offering a thoughtful alternative to traditional workplace Secret Santas, each team member can take responsibility for a particular youngster to get a gift that suits their gender and age.
Gift Cards: Experiences and vouchers are popular at Christmas, and they are also a great donation option for older children and young adults who want to socialise with their friends.
Fundraising: Be Someone’s Santa is grateful for any efforts made to raise funds for the charity. Hosting events like bake sales can be a great way to raise emergency funds, which can be used for important items like pyjamas, winter coats, and food vouchers.
Emergency extras: Because of the 1-2-1 donation mode that Be Someone’s Santa offers, there are occasions when extra gifts are needed. If a donation falls through, businesses can donate gift cards, toiletry sets, hats/scarfs and gloves for emergency gift bags.
A Donate button is also available on Be Someone Santa’s website, which allows the charity to buy for any child who wasn’t allocated or to top up gift bags that might be lacking a few items.
To take part, donations must be accepted no later than the 30th of November. Once pledged, you will be able to drop off your gift at one of two drop-off weekends at GTW, where you can check in your allocated gift.
