Children in Poverty helps Larkfield families stay warm

Children in Poverty Inverclyde recently donated 40 winter coats of all different sizes to the Larkfield Early Learning Centre as part of their Christmas campaign.

The charity's founder, Pat Burke, says that donations from kind-hearted individuals and businesses are essential to the charity's work - and says that as temperatures drop and Christmas draws nearer, he and his colleagues are particularly worried this year about the impact of 'in-work poverty', affecting people who can't afford to make ends meet even though they're still working.

READ MORE: Inverclyde Council reveals local child poverty figures

As part of Children In Poverty Inverclyde's festive appeal, Pat is organising a number of activities, including a Christmas toy donation drive, while they are also funding cinema trips for families.

In the countdown to Christmas they are also setting up a Santa's Breakfast at Cardwell Garden Centre for the youngsters who attend the early learning centre.

Charity chairman Pat Burke said: "The staff at Larkfield Early Learning Centre do an incredible job. They step in to help families and offer discrete help.

"They know the families who need it the most - those with the older brothers and sisters.

"I feel that Larkfield is an area that is often forgotten about. People are struggling and we want to help families.

Children in Poverty Inverclyde (Image: George Munro) "One of my biggest concerns this year is in-work poverty. So many parents are working but still can't afford to pay the bills,

"That is a real concern and something we will be focusing on."

Pat says donations such as those given to the Larkfield centre this week would not be possible without the tens of thousands of pounds donated by donors throughout the year.

OTHER NEWS: Kind-hearted residents launch Christmas appeal in Broomhill

This time round it is a £500 donation from former business owner David Jess which has helped provide the jackets

Pat added: "It is an extremely generous £500 donation from retired businessman David Jess which has allowed purchase of this winter clothing.

 "The two child benefit cap, which was introduced in 2017 and has not been reversed by the new Labour government, has been devastating for many Inverclyde families.

"Thankfully, our patrons and donors are continuing with their compassionate support for wee boys and girls locally to ensure a magical Christmas for them."

Larkfield Early Learning Centre told the Tele that the incredible support from Children in Poverty Inverclyde will help many of their families this Christmas.

Nursery nurse Christine Gordon, who lives in Larkfield and volunteers herself at the local clothing and food pantry, said: "I just do whatever I can, when I can to help.

"I am from Larkfield and I love working in the early learning centre. It is great to be able to help our families like this. It means the world to me.

"It is such an expensive time of year, so to know that we can help with coats and then a Santa's Breakfast, I am so excited for them.

"These things are expensive and can be out of reach for some families. There is also the transport of getting there as well."

Patricia Wylie, acting head of centre, was over the moon at the difference the donations will make.

She said: "I am delighted with this popular children's charity donation. We shall distribute items this week to our families in most need.

"They shall be hugely welcomed and benefit the children in keeping them warm in these cold
 wintry mornings.

"The children's charity have been prolific supporters of Larkfield for several years."