Barrhead NellyBoxes appeal praised in Holyrood motion

The praise highlights the “amazing contribution” of NellyBoxes East Ren Baby Bank, who collected in gifts for 138 of the area’s most in need children and young people at Christmas time.

It was the second year running the festive appeal had been operated by Nicola McGowan and her husband Nik, following the founding of the baby bank by Nicola in 2022.

The Co-op team with Nicola's mum Sally Hayes during the appeal (Image: Supplied)

The Scottish Labour politician told the Barrhead News: “NellyBoxes is special and everyone in the local area knows of it and many, many families benefit from it.

“Not only has it done this commendable collection at Christmas for two years in a row but every week it ensures essentials for babies are available to the local community.

“Nicola McGowan’s initiative and hard work has turned a great idea into a service that so many people in the community cherish.”

The Learning Disability Services team (Image: Supplied)

From November tags for each intended recipient were available from a tree at the ARC (Auchenback Resource Centre) where the baby bank is based, with all soon taken and all pledges eventually fulfilled.

Touchingly, the tree was named the Rita Tree in honour of the late Rita Connelly, who along with her husband Brian played a key role in securing the funding needed to build the ARC.

Known to many as ‘Aunty Rita,’ Rita was a leading light in a number of local organisations, including Barrhead Community Council and the ARC.

Mr O’Kane’s motion also noted the “kindness and generosity” of the local organisations and groups that provided gifts for the collection.

Indeed, as well as members of the community handing in gifts, Barrhead Housing arranged for MCN Limited, who are delivering their kitchen replacement contract, to donate £1,000 to the appeal.

Staff from AC Whyte, a family-owned business in Barrhead, also took 20 tags instead of doing a secret santa and added a few gifts for mums and dads.

Another firm, Complete Cleaning Services, took a host of tags and donated gifts, as did East Renfrewshire Council’s Learning Disability Team instead of doing a secret santa.

Co-op Barrhead and Neilston took tags and hung them up on their trees in store.

And in a tremendous act of generosity, a local resident Caitlin Taylor donated 105 selection boxes to the appeal.

NellyBoxes also hosted an affordable Christmas party, kindness which was also praised in the motion.

“Coming back to Parliament, I naturally wanted to highlight the people who went above and beyond at the Christmas period and it’s clear that NellyBoxes and all the generous individuals and organisations who contributed to their appeal are a perfect example,” added Mr O’Kane.

“I’m glad that my MSP colleagues will read about NellyBoxes and hopefully the story of their wonderful work over Christmas will spread far and wide as a result.”