The Leith Collective launches Christmas tree and festive food exchange 2023
Locals urged to help families facing sacrifices and shortages this Christmas by donating decorations and treats.
Article Source: The Leith Collective
Last Updated: 27 November 2023 15:20
As the temperature drops and heating bills rise, many families are facing a crisis this Christmas. The choice between heating and eating is an all too real dilemma for many, which means this Christmas will be one of sacrifices and shortages for those struggling to make ends meet. However, one local Community Interest Company is working hard to ensure those in need can still experience the spirit of Christmas.
Friday 1st December will see The Leith Collective launch its Christmas tree and festive food exchange across its four Scottish stores. Locals are being urged to search their homes for any unwanted Christmas trees and decorations that may be languishing in cupboards and attics. Non-perishable store cupboard essentials and festive treats are also being accepted. Because it’s the little things that can make all the difference and lift the spirits of families in need at this time of year.
All items will be available for anyone to collect at Glasgow’s St Enoch Centre and Glasgow Fort, and Edinburgh’s Fort Kinnaird and Ocean Terminal, completely free of charge. No stigma, no judgement, no questions asked.
The Leith Collective founder, Sara Thomson, explains why the Christmas tree and festive food exchange is so necessary;
“We’ve heard a lot of talk this year about people ‘feeling the pinch’ of rising costs, but from what I’ve seen, that’s a massive understatement. There are people genuinely struggling to survive. Christmas is a time for giving, and the gift of a Christmas tree, some decorations and a few treats to a family that has nothing is a lovely way to show them that they matter, that they are not forgotten, and that they too deserve to be included in the magic of Christmas”.
Liam Smith, centre director at Fort Kinnaird, said: “The Leith Collective works hard all year round to support our local community. We saw first-hand just how needed the free school uniform exchange was in the summer and the impact it made to local families - and the festive season will be no different. Many of us have Christmas decorations we no longer use which could make another family’s festive season really special. I’d like to thank our visitors for their ongoing support towards these initiatives and ask that they donate what they can to The Leith Collective this Christmas.”
Christmas trees, decorations and non-perishable festive food can be dropped off or collected at The Leith Collective at Fort Kinnaird, Ocean Terminal, St Enoch Centre and Glasgow Fort during opening hours. It is hoped that by hosting the Christmas tree and festive food exchange in these accessible locations, those that have can help those that don’t, which is after all what Christmas is all about.
The Leith Collective at St Enoch Centre
Glasgow
G1 4BW
Opening hours: 10am - 5pm, seven days a week
The Leith Collective at Glasgow Fort
Unit 31
G34 9DL
Opening hours: Monday - Friday 10am - 10pm, Saturday 9am - 7pm, Sunday 10am - 6pm
The Leith Collective at Fort Kinnaird
Newcraighall
Edinburgh
EH15 3RD
Opening hours: 10am - 8pm seven days a week
The Leith Collective at Ocean Terminal
Ocean Drive
Edinburgh
EH6 6JJ
Opening hours: Monday - Saturday 11am - 6pm, and Sunday 11am - 5pm
Sponsored Links
Latest Stirling News
STEP named Business Support Provider of the Year
STEP is proud to announce that it has been awarded Business Support Provider of the Year 24/25 by the CorporateLiveWire Global Awards.
READ MORE
Come and experience the Ideal Home Show Scotland this Spring!
Get ready, Scotland! Ideal Home Show Scotland sponsored by EcoFlow is back at Glasgow's SEC from 23rd - 26th May 2025 and we're delighted to offer free tickets to our followers!
READ MORE
Cineworld brings back IMAX Film Fest
Cineworld, the UK's leading cinema chain, will be holding its eighth annual IMAX Film Fest on Saturday 15th March, with tickets on sale for only £5!
READ MORE
Discover the best of Belfast on a day trip from Scotland
A beautiful city with a rich history, high street favourites, independent boutiques and a giant adventure to explore around every corner, there is no shortage of incredible experiences to be had!
READ MORE
Dobbies welcomes applications for community gardens initiative
Dobbies Garden Centres is welcoming applications for Dobbies Community Gardens, offering local schools, charities and community groups the opportunity to receive support for their green spaces.
READ MORE
Six by Nico unveils brand new six course tasting menu, The Italian
Six by Nico's Road Trip, inspired by Chef Nico Simeone's Italian heritage and travels, will take you on a culinary journey through Italy!
READ MORE
Winners Unveiled at 2025 Stirling Business Awards
Stirling’s independent business owners were recognised for their achievements and rewarded with trophies at the city’s annual Business Awards ceremony last night.
READ MORE
Action Classics Hit Vue Venues in Scotland this March
An array of action films is screening at Vue venues in Scotland throughout the month of March, kicking off with the king of the genre, Arnold Schwarzenegger.
READ MORE
FROM GLASTO TO GLASGOW: Artists performing at TRNSMT 2025 and Glastonbury
Check out the Glastonbury artists that music fans can catch in Glasgow, straight off the heels of their Worthy Farm performance at TRNSMT Festival!
READ MORE
Full Casting Announced for Restless Natives: The Musical
Kirsty MacLaren, Kyle Gardiner and Finlay McKillop lead a multi-talented ensemble as the Clown and the Wolfman take to the road once again!
READ MORE
Stirling 900 Commemorative Photography Book
Call for Submissions as The Stirling Photography Festival announce the creation of a special commemorative photography book: Stirling 900... A Celebration of the People and the Place.
READ MORE
Forth Valley Celebrates Community Climate Action
Dozens of local people, organisations and climate champions gathered in Dunblane last week for a day of celebration and connection.
READ MORE
Dobbies launches spring with special shopping weekend
Dobbies Garden Centres is inviting the nation to get excited for the busiest season in the gardener's calendar with its Spring Launch Weekend, taking place 6-10 March!
READ MORE
Stirling 900 celebrations to climax with spectacular pipe band parade
A spectacular massed pipe band parade on Saturday 29th March will be the exciting centrepiece of Stirling’s 900th anniversary finale celebrations.
READ MORE
The UK Pantomime Association announces major sponsorship partnership with Trafalgar Entertainment and ATG Entertainment
The UK Pantomime Association is delighted to announce a significant new sponsorship partnership with Trafalgar Entertainment and ATG Entertainment (ATGE).
READ MORE
Arriving near you! Adventure Cinema returns for special Summer screenings under the stars
The UK's largest outdoor cinema, Adventure Cinema announces its most spectacular season to date with incredible films at new magical locations!
READ MORE
Free gardening workshops at Dobbies this March
Dobbies Garden Centres is hosting two free workshops this March for gardeners of all ages; Prepare to Propagate and Beyond the Secret Garden.
READ MORE
Snap up free tickets to The Scottish Homebuilding & Renovating Show in Glasgow or Edinburgh
The Scottish Homebuilding & Renovating Show, Scotland's only dedicated consumer exhibition for self-builders, home renovators and improvers, is back and we have free tickets up for grabs!
READ MORE
Roblox hits the big screen at Vue Cinemas
British kids will go head-to-head on Roblox to be crowned the Gaming Challenge UK champion.
READ MORE
Aldi Scotland Announces CHAS as the Official Charity Partner for its 2025 Supermarket Sweep
Aldi Scotland has proudly announced Children's Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS) as the official charity partner of its long running and hugely popular Supermarket Sweep initiative for 2025.
READ MORE
Homebuilder announced as headline sponsor of Stirling 900 finale celebrations
Persimmon Homes (East Scotland) has been unveiled as the headline sponsor for the Stirling 900 finale celebrations.
READ MORE
Hop along to Dobbies this Easter
Dobbies Garden Centres is welcoming families and four-legged friends to hop along and get set for spring at its brand-new Easter-themed events, taking place across the UK.
READ MORE
Thousands of preloved books for children to find new homes through Asda instore donation points in Scotland
The initiative enables customers across the UK to donate pre-loved children's books in-store, for onward gifting to families with fewer books of their own.
READ MORE
Marstons is going marmalade mad in celebration of Paddington in Peru
To celebrate the Home Release of Paddington in Peru, Marston's has created a limited-edition marmalade-inspired children's menu, which will be available in over 250 Marston's pubs nationwide!
READ MORE
Scots charity calls on young Scottish poets for national campaign
Communities across Scotland are being invited to make a visible show of support for LGBTQ+ young people this Purple Friday.
READ MORE
From Barra to Buenos Aires: Worldwide Gaelic celebration just around the corner
The Gaelic language is set to be celebrated around the world in less than two weeks' time as Seachdain na Gàidhlig, World Gaelic Week, gets set to return from 24th February - 2nd March.
READ MORE
Stirling to Host Sizzling Showcase of Food, Drink and Tourism
Stirling is turning up the heat this March with a dynamic line up of events designed to inspire, connect and showcase the region’s food, drink and tourism industry.
READ MORE
Multi level car park reopens at Thistles following refurbishment
Thistles, Stirling, today announces the reopening of its car park following an extensive £3.5 million investment as part of ongoing improvement plans.
READ MORE
Valentines Share The Love Campaign Launched in Stirling
Stirling residents are being invited to share their support for the city’s business community this month.
READ MORE
Creative organisations invited to take part in special Stirling 900 cultural celebration
Creative organisations are being invited to take part in a special cultural night on Friday 28 March as part of Stirling’s 900th anniversary finale celebrations.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links