The staggering generosity of Perth residents and some of Scotland’s top companies will bring cheer to vulnerable pensioners this Christmas.
More than 1,300 of the city’s senior citizens will receive special gift bags loaded with food and treats, while hundreds will receive hampers as part of a massive charity effort.
Now in its eighth year, the Perth Senior Citizens Christmas Appeal is coordinated by People With A Mission Ministries (PWAMM).
Such has been the generosity of supporters this year, the total value of the gift bags is estimated to be more than £50,000.
They contain goodies such as biscuits, soup, chutneys, mince pies, shortbread, a gospel CD and a copy of the new biography of Scottish missionary Mary Slessor.
The gift bags will now be distributed to the elderly in sheltered housing complexes and the wider community in the run-up to Christmas.
PWAMM director and senior pastor Mervyn Milne said: “Many people feel lonely at this time of year.
“Society continues to get older and many senior citizens find themselves living on their own, sometimes in isolation.
“Over the years, they have given valuable service to their community and nation, and these gifts are a great way of showing how much we still care for and appreciate them.”
A variety of top Scottish businesses, including Baxters of Speyside, Walkers Shortbread, House of Bruar, Fairprint and Scottish Fine Soaps have joined forces with chains Asda and Marks and Spencer to provide the presents.
A&J Stephen, the Perth Common Good Fund, the Stagecoach Group and the Tay Charitable Trust have also provided financial support for the purchase of gifts.
In addition, young people from Perth Christian Fellowship have been raising cash for the appeal by bag-packing in the supermarkets.
The young people will be joined by local gospel choir, the Upper Room Singers, for some carol singing in Asda between 6.30 and 9pm on December 17 and 18.
In addition to the gift bags, more than 200 Christmas hampers will be delivered to families in the city.
The hampers are coordinated by Joseph’s Storehouse, which is part of PWAMM’s community care ministry.
“It is a great privilege to be able to again provide something special for so many families this year,” Mr Milne said.
“We are extremely grateful to the growing number of supporters who want to show the senior citizens in our community the real meaning of Christmas through the provision of these gifts.”
The church arm of PWAMM, Perth Christian Fellowship, provides extensive support to senior citizens across Perth and Kinross.
It hosts a free monthly lunch for 300 people in the National Christian Outreach Centre, a weekly fellowship hour and church services in nine nursing homes and sheltered housing complexes around Perth.