Christmas cheer spread by staff and partners

And staff at South Lanarkshire Council, South Lanarkshire Leisure and Culture and the Community Planning Partnership have certainly taken that message to heart this year.

They have been helping those who need extra support by donating food and gifts to eight local foodbanks, as well as some targeted young people and care experienced young people.

The foodbanks will be distributing the gifts and food to families that they are working with, and those they know who would need a little more help at this time of year.

Council Leader and Chair of the Community Planning Partnership Joe Fagan said: "A huge congratulations to staff across the Community Planning Partnership, council and SLLC who have been incredibly generous with their donations - more than 1150 gifts have been donated by staff, as well as more than 950 items of food.

"The sheer number of gifts and multiple bags of food that they have provided is staggering.

"It is really heart-warming to see, especially considering the cost-of-living crisis.

"So well done to all those who took part, and special thanks to the Community Engagement Team who co-ordinated the secret Santa gift drive, and a thank you to our Headquarters facilities team who have collected presents from various buildings and promoted the project."

Staff who chose to donate could leave items at council offices across South Lanarkshire, or via an online wishlist.