THE generosity of people has been “overwhelming” in Tullibody after a barber shop brought a Christmas charity appeal to town.

Goodfellas barbers on Tron Court got behind fun and happiness charity KidsOut and its Giving Tree appeal with townsfolks rallying around to aid the effort.

The shop boasts its very own festive spruce which comes with Christmas tree tags that contain wishes from children who may not otherwise receive a gift this year.

In particular, the good cause will distribute donations among young people who will spend this Christmas in refuge with their mothers after escaping domestic violence.

KidsOut works with Women’s Aid organisations throughout the year and highlighted the trauma children can experience when having to move away from their friends and family.

Lorraine Jack and Colleen Hislop, co-owners at Goodfellas, started with 150 tree tags containing Christmas wishes and have been blown away by the response so far.

There are only around 15 left unclaimed and people are being urged to pop in, take a tag and bring a gift back by the evening of Wednesday, December 11, as Colleen will be meeting charity representatives with all the gifts the next day.

The tags only ask for simple things like scarves and hats, colouring books and board games with a recommended spending of between £5 and £10.

The requests on the tags include the most popular items asked for by children in refuge, KidsOut says it prioritises toys that aid social, academic and emotional development.

The barber’s Colleen, along with her husband and children, have supported the Giving Tree initiative in the past and she was keen for her shop to have its own this time around.

She said: “It’s been overwhelming.

“I think when people see how little they are asking for; like babies aged nine months needing a hat, scarf and gloves – it’s not expensive presents.

“You can get a present for a fiver and that’s going to make somebody’s Christmas that aren’t going to get anything otherwise.”

Colleen, thankful for people’s generous involvement so far, explained a friend was so keen to support the appeal her workplace ditched Secret Santa this year with co-workers instead opting to take a tag each to help a disadvantaged young person instead.

To support the initiative, visit Goodfellas on Tron Court, which is only closed on Sunday, take a tag, speak to the owners for more details and take a gift back – all presents received are checked by KidsOut staff who therefore ask people not to wrap any items.