Senior Section’s selfless Secret Santa

Heywood Girlguiding Senior Section with the Christmas Care Packages

Heywood Senior Section Guides are bucking the trend this year and will be foregoing their Secret Santa to truly delve into the Christmas ‘Spirit of Giving’ by providing someone less fortunate with some of life’s essentials.

Having personally witnessed the struggles many face living on the streets, especially at this time of year with unpredictable weather, the Girlguiding Unit decided they will try and do their bit to improve an individual’s needs. The young women, aged 14-25, will be creating a Christmas Care Package with the supplies to be purchased by the Senior Section members.

After discussing the topic, a list of some of life’s essentials was created and each member volunteered to supply an item off the list. Items range from a pop-up tent, sleeping bag and sleeping mat to some essentials we may take for granted; warm socks, tissues and wipes. Less than 24 hours later and these items had been purchased, brought together and picked up to be distributed to the most in need.

Niamh Furlong, 15, said: "We should be so grateful for everything we have.

"It’s been such a lovely experience, knowing we are helping someone less fortunate and being able to give back to the community."

Beth Tennant, Senior Section Leader, said: "I am unbelievably proud of how the girls have grasped this opportunity. Their selflessness is a shining example of goodness that can be found in the youth of today."