News

S3 Stands in for Santa

"A few days before Christmas, when most people were out doing their Christmas shopping, my Mum asked me how I felt about delivering Christmas meals on Christmas Eve to people living within our local area. At first I said no, as I wanted to spend Christmas Eve relaxing, preparing for Christmas and watching the television. Reluctantly though, I agreed to help my Mum. On Christmas Eve, we went to the Kirkintilloch office of STAND International. STAND is a community interest company and their profits and assets are used for the benefit of a community. When we arrived we were given 4 Christmas dinners, some chocolates, and some household essentials to hand out to people whose names and addresses were given to us on a list. We didn’t know these people or their circumstances. They could be older people, isolated and vulnerable or they could have been experiencing financial difficulties or illness. Names had been given to STAND via hospitals, Social Workers, churches, friends, and families.

The first name on the list was that of a gentleman called Peter who lived not too far away from our house, we drove over to his house and chapped the door. We waited for a minute or two and wondered if Peter was at home. We chapped again and my Mum called through the letter box. Eventually, Peter came to the door and apologised for taking so long to answer. He told us that he had a sore back.

Peter said he was just watching the TV and didn’t get out anymore, so visitors were always welcome. We explained to him who we were and why we were there. My Mum talked through the cooking instructions and we started to engage in conversation. Peter told us he was 96 years old and that the reason his back was sore was that he was hit by machine-gun fire whilst serving in the army. We asked him about the photographs hanging on his wall and he told us about the uniforms he was wearing and a little about his life.  It seemed like he just wanted some company. After some time, my Mum and I said goodbye to Peter and went back into the car. My Mum was feeling a bit emotional and was saddened to see someone on their own especially at this time of year. The next person on the list was a lady called Anne. We had some trouble finding her house but when we got there we saw her sitting in the living room. As soon as she saw our car Anne jumped out of her seat as fast as she could and went to open the door for us. She seemed very excited and told us she doesn’t get visitors very often.

We explained to her why we were there but Anne was very happy to see us. She was very nice, chatty and friendly. Again, we explained what was in the bags and how to prepare the food for Christmas Day. Anne asked us if we would mind doing a favour for her. She handed us a pile of about 20 cards and asked if we could post them for her as she was housebound. My Mum smiled as she realised there were no postage stamps on them and she said we’d gladly help. We drove to the post office and posted the cards off before going onto our final house.

The last couple we visited were named Mr & Mrs Anderson. They lived only 2 minutes away from our house. We rang their doorbell and a cheery face unlocked the door. It was Mrs Anderson and she invited us in. She was very funny and wanted to tell us jokes whilst chatting away. She told us how thoughtful she thought it was that we brought food through, that she and her and husband were looking forward to eating it. She told us how her husband had recently gotten out of hospital and that she was delighted she could cheer him up with a Christmas dinner. It made me smile.

In the end, I was pleased to have helped out STAND. It was a very rewarding experience, I got to meet so many lovely people and it made me think about their circumstances. I would happily do it again and would encourage everyone to think of doing something similar. It only took a few hours of our time and I know how much the people we met were glad to see us. It made me even more appreciative and thankful for the love, presents, and Christmas food that I enjoyed on Christmas Day. Overall, 96 people in East Dunbartonshire received a meal on either Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. 

I hope that you too can consider taking part in STAND’S project or something similar next Christmas."

- Oliver M. (S3)