Be a Santa: Spreading a little Sparkle this Christmas!

Each year we take part in Home Instead’s Be a Santa to a Senior gift collection scheme – an event designed to support older and vulnerable people in our local community. This year we were overwhelmed with the kindness, generosity and support shown by local groups, businesses and people.

With so many amazing local collection points sharing the story of Be a Santa, it’s no wonder the Renfrewshire & Barrhead community has embraced it in such an inspiring way!

From the very beginning, the enthusiasm from our local collection points has been incredible. Community hubs, local businesses and organisations across Renfrewshire & Barrhead have gone above and beyond – sharing the scheme across their social media channels, speaking to their clients and customers, and encouraging everyone they meet to get involved. Thanks to their efforts, the message of Be a Santa to a Senior travelled far and wide, reaching hearts and inspiring generosity throughout the community.

Be a Santa truly showcases the very best in people. It’s about coming together, thinking of others, and making sure no one feels forgotten during the festive season. Every thoughtfully chosen gift represents care, compassion and community spirit, and each one helps remind an older person that they are valued and remembered at Christmas.

Once all the gifts had been collected, they were brought to the Home Instead Renfrewshire & Barrhead office, where our team sorted and lovingly wrapped each one. A very special mention must go to Danielle and Karen, who did the lion’s share of the sorting and wrapping and went above and beyond to ensure every gift was beautifully prepared. They are our very own local heroes, putting so much care and kindness into making sure each present would bring a smile on Christmas Day.

From there, the gifts were donated to the incredible St Mirren Charitable Foundation, whose work makes a real and lasting difference to people across our local area. On Christmas Day, the foundation’s amazing volunteers will deliver the gifts to older and vulnerable people in our community, along with a fantastic hamper and a delicious hot festive meal.

These dedicated volunteers do so much more than deliver presents. They give their time, their compassion and their company, ensuring that no one needs to spend Christmas alone. Through a friendly visit, a warm conversation and a smiling face at the door, they bring comfort, warmth and genuine human connection to those who may otherwise feel isolated during the festive period. The joy they bring on Christmas Day is just as important as the gifts themselves.

The St Mirren Charitable Foundation does outstanding work all year round, supporting people when they need it most, and we are incredibly proud to play a small part in the care and support they provide. Together, through kindness and community spirit, we are helping to make Christmas a little brighter, warmer and more joyful for those who need it most.

To everyone who donated a gift, shared our posts, acted as a collection point, volunteered their time, or helped spread the word — Thank you! Your generosity and kindness ensure that Christmas in Renfrewshire & Barrhead is filled with warmth, dignity and connection, and that no one is forgotten. 💙