A selfless Perth man expects to deliver free Christmas presents to 500 local youngsters after an online appeal went viral.
Jamie McAllister, 27, decided that this year he would distribute goods for the needy and put out a request for donations on his business website, McAllisters Scrap Metal Recycling.
The November 18 post has been shared more than 3,400 times and Jamie has been inundated with items from generous locals.
After also receiving hundreds of requests from cash-strapped parents and grandparents of children he is busy planning deliveries right up until Christmas.
“Last year I made up emergency food parcels for families who couldn’t afford Christmas shopping,” Jamie said.
“This year I have heard about a lot of families struggling to keep up with the cost of things, and I have had people get in touch with me asking if they can help.
“So I thought I would start a donation appeal.”
No child will miss out
Jamie has already completed 140 requests as he gets into the swing of his role as Perth’s ‘Father Christmas’.
Enquiries have been made from across Tayside, Fife and even as far as Glasgow.
He says that no child will miss out and 60 of the requests are wrapped and ready to go.
Jamie is also delivering food parcels worth around £75 each. Eight of these have already been packaged up ahead of distribution.
He said: “A lot of people want to help but sometimes don’t know where to go or what to do to help.
“Some parents may have been involved in domestics and some of them might have the one parent who is struggling.”
Lots of requests
Children receive presents based on donations but most are given at least a toy and selection box.
Other donations include dolls, action figures, remote control cars, computers, games and even a bicycle.
“I draw up a list of what they are asking me for,” Jamie said.
“Some ask for pyjamas, some ask for toys, some parents ask for food parcels.
“I have people get in touch with me to tell me their story and I always keep it confidential.
“A lot of people are a bit embarrassed to ask but some have been open in saying they are struggling.
“We will hit 400 to 500 children at the end of Christmas – that’s the way it is going.
“In the last 24 hours there have been a lot of requests going in.”
Successful business
Jamie has been running McAllisters Scrap Metal Recycling for the past two and a half years.
The company is licensed by Sepa and works alongside Perth and Kinross Council to uplift items for free when people and businesses cannot afford their removal.
Goods are then sold off at a profit.
How to donate
Helping Jamie’s Christmas appeal are Stirling women Nicola Nicholls and Robyn Dickson, who have been wrapping presents.
Other volunteers have also offered assistance for deliveries.
And Jamie wants more donations.
“The requests are growing,” he said.
“The majority are appealing for toys.
“I have had lots of requests from mothers telling me they can’t work because they have young infants.
“It has been heartfelt.”
He is encouraging people to drop off items at his yard at 6 Shore Road, Perth PH2 8BW. This is open 9am to 5pm weekdays, and 9am to 3pm on Saturdays.
For more information call 07899 261 706.
Conversation