Local Businesses Unite for Be Someone’s Santa Toy Drive
Glasgow-based storage company GTW Storage has pledged its support to the community-driven charity Be Someone’s Santa (SCIO) by donating a warehouse space for their 2024 Christmas toy drive. The initiative, which provides gifts to disadvantaged children and young adults in Glasgow, has grown from a small neighborhood project to a significant city-wide effort.
Supporting Families in Need Amid Rising Costs
Be Someone’s Santa ensures that children identified by local social care teams receive gifts tailored to their age and gender. With the cost of living on the rise, these donations bring joy, relief, and dignity to families who might otherwise go without festive celebrations.
GTW Storage has stepped up this year, not only donating funds but also offering warehouse space for collecting, organizing, and distributing toys, clothing, and other gifts. This generous contribution ensures the charity can operate efficiently as it gears up to deliver around 3,000 gifts this Christmas.
Businesses Back the Initiative
Alongside GTW Storage, local marketing agency GRA and several of its clients have joined the cause, providing donations and volunteer efforts. These collaborations highlight the growing power of community involvement in tackling social challenges.
Sarah and Jane, the sister duo behind GTW Storage, expressed their commitment to the cause:
“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 organize and store the gifts.”
From Grassroots to City-Wide Impact
Founded by a determined mother, Be Someone’s Santa gained charitable status in 2021 and is run entirely by unpaid volunteers. Last year, the charity raised £5,499 in addition to physical donations, showcasing the generosity of Glaswegians.
The charity operates on a 1-to-1 donation model where individuals pledge gifts for specific children. This model ensures that every child receives a meaningful and appropriate gift, although it occasionally requires emergency donations to cover last-minute needs.
How Businesses and Individuals Can Get Involved
- Group Registration:
Swap workplace Secret Santa traditions for group pledges, with employees purchasing gifts for specific children. - Gift Cards:
Perfect for older kids and young adults, gift cards for experiences or social outings are welcomed. - Fundraising:
Organize bake sales or other events to raise money for emergency items like winter clothing and food vouchers. - Emergency Extras:
Provide backup items such as gift cards, toiletry sets, or winter accessories for use in emergency gift bags.
Donations can also be made directly via the charity’s website, allowing Be Someone’s Santa to address gaps or purchase additional gifts.
Timeline and Drop-Off Details
The charity will accept pledged gifts until 30th November 2024. Donors can drop off their contributions during one of two designated weekends at GTW’s warehouse. This streamlined system ensures gifts are checked and prepared for distribution to children across Glasgow.
