A massive thank you to everyone who has kindly donated gifts for prisoners’ children over the last few weeks.

We gathered around 180 bags of gifts for CrossReach, the social care arm of the Church of Scotland – even higher than the target of 150 we set ourselves to mark our 150th anniversary celebration year. Well done everyone!

Once again, CrossReach are delighted to receive so many items which will make a real difference to the children and families they work with.

Speaking at our Christmas Gift Service on Sunday Janice Anderson, a member of our Local Mission Team, said: “As you know, we have been supporting children and families at Perth Prison at Christmas time for many years now.

“CrossReach have asked me to pass on their very grateful thanks for your most generous gifts. Each year they are astounded by the number of gifts donated by our community – not only Church members but also members of our wider village community.”

Elaine Haugh from CrossReach added: “We are truly thankful for every gift – they make such a difference and it remind us that there is good in the world.

“For the prisoners, and their children, they will always remember that somebody at a church wanted to make sure they received a gift, or had a gift to give, at Christmas and that can be very profound.”