A CHARITY is appealing for kind residents in Renfrewshire to spread cheer among homeless young people this Christmas.

Quarriers has launched its Box of Hope appeal which aims to provide essentials to people at its homeless services.

Now in its ninth year, the charity is appealing for donations – from as little as £2 - to help homeless young people across Scotland to receive a gift over the festive period.

Fiona Nicolson, head of service for children, families and young people at Quarriers, told The Gazette: "Following the trials brought by the pandemic, 2021 has undoubtedly been a difficult year for everyone. However, this is just one of the worries homeless young people have had weighing heavily on their shoulders.

"The festive period can be an incredibly difficult time for the young people we support, as it is often associated with time spent with family, a time for friends, and, of course, a time for giving.

"They may not have had family to support them during this terrible time and after months of isolation they are facing spending the festive season alone."

On average, it is estimated that £5 billion is wasted on unwanted gifts in the UK every year, with more than 21 million people receiving at least one present they do not want.

As a result, Quarriers is urging people to add a young homeless person to their Christmas list this year instead.

There are three Boxes of Hope available, with gifts that include chocolate, toiletries and thermal gloves.

For many of the supported youngsters, the Christmas gifts from Quarriers’ Box of Hope appeal may be the only gift they receive this year.

Fiona said: “Every service will be different and will closely follow the guidance as Christmas approaches. But what remains true is that Quarriers is working hard to help young people feel less alone on Christmas day.

“We are counting on the generosity of others to provide one small gift to let these young people know that someone is thinking of them and to help them to mark Christmas day against the rest of the year.”

Donations can be made by calling 01505 690875 or visiting quarriers.org.uk/box-of-hope-2021-c/.