Team spirit ‘won’ Christmas

But the feat of producing 240 parcels for destitute local families was still only made possible by the generosity of local people – from churches and clubs to companies and private individuals.

Organiser Norma Cowan said: “These were extra-special parcels to suit the time of year, with a lot of fresh food, including meat produce.

“We’re grateful to everyone who helped, and that includes all the churches –including the RC churches across the area, who gave generously without being asked.

“We feel our efforts have been blessed because of the kindness of all these people.”

Among those who helped from the wider community were, for example, Alan Gordon of Gordon’s Electrical, who delivered food hampers immediately before Christmas; workers from the town’s HMRC base, the lads of Cumbernauld Colts, the action group Cumbernauld Against Poverty, pupils from Greenfaulds High – and many others besides.

The concentrated effort in sorting and organising the mountain of donated produce into parcels that could be given directly to dozens of local families was a major task and challenge for the House of Bread team at the busiest time of year – made worth it by the scale of the success achieved.

Now, says Norma, the effort goes on exactly as before, with demand soaring as welfare cuts and cost of living increases take effect on struggling families.