Our Amazing Volunteers
We have had so much help from volunteers - old and new - over the recent weeks which has been a HUGE help! We could not do what we do without them.
It is amazing how many people wanted to help out over December and the festive period.
One lovely student got in touch with us before she finished up her exams to see if she could come and help for a few weeks in December and over Christmas when her exams were over and she had no classes. Eilidh was here day in day out and was such a huge help and happy to help with anything!
This is what we she had to say about her experience half way in and we love it!
It’s the most wonderful time of the year, with the donations growing and smiles are all showing, we spread our good cheer, for it’s the most wonderful time of the year.
Yes, once again, its that time of year. Food to prepare, invites to send and the annual MASSIVE house clean. However, have you ever taken a second to think about Christmas for those who cannot afford the biggest tree in the shop, or the most luxurious Christmas pudding available. Well, this year, I took some time to reflect after my exams, and decided I would lend a hand and give back to those less fortunate than myself. So, I headed over to Start Up Stirling in Springkerse Industrial Estate, and signed up to volunteer my time. Without doubt, it is one of the best decisions I ever made.
At Start Up, we receive daily donations from the generous people of Stirling and Clackmannanshire, sort the food into separate dates and create food packages for our clients. Not only food is sent out. We also create Christmas hampers, cleaning packs, toiletry packs and at Christmas, we hand out donated presents from the local community. Donations are what keep Start Up Stirling alive - and me so busy - and no donation is ever too big or small.
Within the first 2 weeks in December, we have collected over 5 tonnes of food, and over £5000, which will feed numerous local families with a Christmas meal, festive goodies and into 2018!
Being a part of something which is helping so many in need is one of the reasons why volunteering is such a rewarding job. By giving a morning of your week to such an amazing organisation you can literally change lives.
If you cannot donate your time, you can help in other ways. Encouraging your school, church or workplace to set-up donation stations is a great way to help. Furthermore, you can take part in our Reverse Advent Calendar Campaign. Simply follow the simple guide on our website or Facebook page and create one of the best advent calendars you can for other people.
So, to summarise, Start Up Stirling is one of the friendliest, craziest, happiest and rewarding places you can volunteer for. The family atmosphere and community spirit is indescribable and I feel truly blessed to have been able to experience it. So, this festive period, think of those in our community that you could help. Be somebody’s Santa and support Start Up. After all, when is a better time to help than at Christmas time?
THANK YOU to all our volunteers!
The Start Up Team