A CHRISTMAS appeal is hoping the people of Glasgow will donate 1,500 baskets to help 20 local charities – which reach a wide range of individuals, families and elderly in need.

Rangers star Alfredo Morelos, his wife Yesenia, and three-year-old Lucas Ward helped launch the Glasgow Basket Brigade (GBB) Christmas Appeal, which is now in its third year.

The striker said: “We wanted to volunteer to help this amazing charity this year because we heard about the positive impact it’s had on the city, over the last few years. Come on Glasgow, get behind this brilliant campaign.”

Glasgow Times:

Entrepreneurial Lucas, three, is back for a second year, making cookies to sell in order to fund buying products to put in his basket.

Louise Graham, founding chair, said: “In our first year, we were blown away by the love, compassion and community spirit shown by our fabulous city. Four hundred volunteers came together to make and deliver 500 Christmas dinner food baskets to Glasgow families in need of a little bit more love.

“We raised enough money through the sponsorship of baskets to buy everything needed for a Christmas dinner to feed individuals through to families of six. Last year, we changed to a Christmas gift basket appeal, and we had 1,700 registrations for gift basket donations.

“The last two years have undoubtedly been difficult with more social deprivation, decline in mental health, loneliness and much more.

"Last year, our drop-off hubs were created as a way to receive people’s donations and it kept the initiative alive, despite lockdowns. People still need and deserve our support.”

Glasgow Times:

Charities that receive the baskets to distribute include HomeStart Glasgow South, Baby Loss Retreat, Glasgow Women's Aid, Glasgow's Golden Generation, Fareshare, Glasgow SE Foodbank, Simon Community Scotland, Refuweegee and Homes for Good.

Each charity will act as a drop-off hub, across the city, open from December 9-19.

Joey Lawrie, partnerships at Homes for Good, said: "Community is not just a neighbourhood, it is being part of something and belonging, where everyone matters and nobody should be forgotten, especially at Christmas. We all know People Make Glasgow, so let’s demonstrate that sense of community this festive period."

To register to donate, click here.