Despite having faced a tough year, the generosity of local stores never fails to amaze us at SLR. Stores up and down the country are raising funds, giving donations and sharing the love this festive season. Here are just a few of the wonderful initiatives retailers are taking part in to help their communities this Christmas:
Kyrie Davidson and the team at Spar Kincaidston in South Ayrshire have been running their Angel Tree campaign, which saw customers buy tons of pressies to be given out to local kids who may not otherwise receive a gift.
“Our community have absolutely outdone themselves,” said Kyrie, who was crowned Company Owned Store Colleague of 2025 at our Above & Beyond Awards. “We more than doubled the gifts given.”
The staff also ran a PJ Friday with a collection bucket on the counter, and the store is a Drop Off Point for the Kincaidston Santa Appeal.
Claire Fleming and the crew at Spar Saltcoats were delighted to deliver Christmas selection boxes for every pupil at their local school.
“Seeing all those happy little faces truly made our day — there’s nothing better than spreading a bit of festive magic!” said Claire, who won our Above & Beyond Awards’ Company Owned Store Colleague title in 2024. “Our team had great fun playing Santa’s helpers and we’re proud to support the amazing staff and pupils who make our community shine.”
The store has also donated five hampers to Arran View Care Home. Claire said: “We hope these goodies bring big smiles, warm hearts and plenty of cheer to both residents and staff. Nothing beats supporting our local community and we’re proud to do our bit!”
Broadway Convenience Store in Oxgangs invited kids from the local primary school to perform outside the store. “We had a fantastic afternoon yesterday with our primary sevens from Pentland serenading us with some Christmas classics!” said the store. “Thank you to everybody who donated- all funds go towards the bus to get all the P7’s to camp!”
A&J Alloa Road Shop Spar donated selection boxes to Clackmannshire Family Support Service. The store also encourages any locals who were struggling with the cost of living to send them a private message for a food package delivery.
The SLR Awards’ 2025 Community Retailer of the Year, Londis Solo Convenience, has set up a Christmas Community Giving Plan. This has included donating selection boxes to all the children in the LCR department at Caledonia Primary School.
In addition, the store set up a ‘Be Someone’s Santa’ campaign where customers could buy gifts for children that might otherwise miss out. The initiative supports Glasgow’s most vulnerable and disadvantaged children, young people, and families, including those supported by Glasgow South Health and Social Care Partnership, family support projects, social work, and young care leaver services across the city.
The store has also donated cases of Pet Food to both the Dogs Trust down at the Brae and Hamilton Dog and Cat shelter. In January, they will be taking in bedding, old towels and sheets to drop off in 2026.
Day-Today Drylaw made a donation to help support the Christmas parties for St David’s Nursery and Pirniehall Nursery. “Both nurseries do an amazing job caring for and supporting local children, and we’re proud to play a small part in bringing some extra festive joy to their celebrations,” said the store. “A huge well done to all the staff for the hard work they do every day.”
David’s Kitchen’s Glenrothes store is a drop-off point for the Glenrothes Salvation Army’s Christmas Present Appeal.
In addition the firm is running a 12 Days of Christmas Giveaway to thank customers for their continued support throughout the year. Daily prizes have included a sweetie hamper, pizza and dinner for two.
Spar Motherwell Road in Bellshill doesn’t want anyone local to go without a meal on Christmas Day, so the store is preparing food packages to be delivered on 22nd December to ensure every family has something on the table for Christmas Day.
