Christmas thanks to staff
Read the update shared by our Child Poverty Strategy team from Saltcoats Link Up who have thanked North Ayrshire Council staff and other partners across the Three Towns for their generosity during their recent Christmas tree gift giving campaign...
Thank you for your incredible support: a message from Saltcoats Link Up
"On behalf of Saltcoats Link Up, a project based within the Ayrshire Community Trust, the Random Acts of Kindness Group (run by Dana Milligan), and the Argyle Community Association in Saltcoats (Chairperson, Yvonne Attwood), we would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who supported the Gift Giving Tree Project this year.
"This project is rooted in our community and the belief that kindness and care can make a meaningful difference in children’s lives. It brings together local organisations, volunteers, businesses, and residents with a shared commitment to supporting children and families at a time when many are facing increasing pressures.
"Through collaboration, generosity, and compassion, our communities have come together to create something truly special—showing what is possible when people connect and look out for one another. We are truly overwhelmed by the generosity of local groups, clubs, businesses, and individuals.
"In our eighth year, we received donations valued at approximately £45,000, including toys, treats, gift sets, clothes, and more.
The contributions of North Ayrshire Council employees are a shining example of kindness in action, strengthening community connections and making a real difference to children at Christmas. Thanks to the incredible support of 60 donation stations - from Cunninghame House to hairdressers and cafés to sports clubs, care homes, schools, and churches to make a few —we were able to provide Christmas giftbags to 740 children.
"We also want to acknowledge the amazing volunteers who dedicated their time to supporting the Gift Giving Tree Project:
- North Ayrshire Council Child Poverty Strategy team – Donna, Laura, and Claire generously gave their time to collect, sort, and organise donations with great care and attention. We are deeply grateful for your belief in the project and what it stands for
- North Ayrshire Council Connecting Communities team – Special thanks to Karen Frew for her ongoing support with sorting and distribution
- North Ayrshire Council Community Resource team – Thank you to Joanne and her team for providing the venue for our five-day distribution centre, enabling the project to grow and reach even more families
"At its heart, this project is about community—people coming together with compassion, generosity, and a shared belief that every child deserves to feel valued and cared for. The kindness shown through each donation, every volunteer hour, and every act of support reflects the strength of our local connections and the power of working together.
"In challenging times, this collective effort reminds us that community care truly matters, and that when we stand together, we can create hope, dignity, and lasting positive memories for families across our towns.
"Finally, on behalf of the Gift Giving Tree Project we would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
"If you, your work team, football team, sports club, church group, or business would like to get involved in our projects and fundraising in 2026, please do not hesitate to get in touch."
Thank you,
Carol Boyd, Project Manager for Saltcoats Link Up, email: carol@tact.scot
Published December 19, 2025
