7 Jan 2026, 11:31Temitayo Odewusi; edited by SM CommunicationsEdinburgh, City of Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom
Volunteers Distribute Over 400 Gift Bags During Edinburgh Christmas Outreach
Edinburgh Church volunteers brought the spirit of Christmas to Princes Street, distributing 400 gift bags and connecting with the community through conversation and service.
Members of Edinburgh Seventh-day Adventist Church took part in a Christmas street outreach on Princes Street on Saturday, December 20, distributing free gift bags and engaging with members of the public in the lead-up to Christmas.
Organised by the church’s Personal Ministries department, the outreach saw approximately 22 volunteers — adults, youth, and children — gather from around 3 pm at a central, high-footfall area of the city. Despite cold and windy conditions, the group distributed 400 gift bags containing Christian literature, bottled water, and chocolates. Passers-by responded warmly, with many stopping to engage in conversation. By 5 pm, all the gift bags had been distributed, and participants described the afternoon as positive and meaningful, appreciating the opportunity to share kindness, spark conversation, and bring a sense of hope to the public during the festive season.
The outreach concluded with a group prayer led by a church elder and expressions of appreciation for all participants. Organisers noted strong interest among members in holding similar activities in the future and reflected on the event as an example of unity and cooperation, citing Jesus’ words in Matthew 18:19–20 about agreement in prayer and action.
In addition to the city-centre outreach, another group from Edinburgh Church spent time serving in a nursing home in the city. Led by the Women’s Ministries Department and joined by children, the group sang familiar Christmas songs such as “Silent Night, Holy Night” and “Jesus Loves Me, This I Know,” and shared moments of prayer with residents and staff, including the Lord’s Prayer. Residents were also presented with shoeboxes filled with gifts, and the visit brought visible joy and encouragement to both residents and care providers.
Edinburgh Church volunteers brought the spirit of Christmas to Princes Street, distributing 400 gift bags and connecting with the community through conversation and service.
Members of Edinburgh Seventh-day Adventist Church took part in a Christmas street outreach on Princes Street on Saturday, December 20, distributing free gift bags and engaging with members of the public in the lead-up to Christmas.
Organised by the church’s Personal Ministries department, the outreach saw approximately 22 volunteers — adults, youth, and children — gather from around 3 pm at a central, high-footfall area of the city. Despite cold and windy conditions, the group distributed 400 gift bags containing Christian literature, bottled water, and chocolates. Passers-by responded warmly, with many stopping to engage in conversation. By 5 pm, all the gift bags had been distributed, and participants described the afternoon as positive and meaningful, appreciating the opportunity to share kindness, spark conversation, and bring a sense of hope to the public during the festive season.
The outreach concluded with a group prayer led by a church elder and expressions of appreciation for all participants. Organisers noted strong interest among members in holding similar activities in the future and reflected on the event as an example of unity and cooperation, citing Jesus’ words in Matthew 18:19–20 about agreement in prayer and action.
In addition to the city-centre outreach, another group from Edinburgh Church spent time serving in a nursing home in the city. Led by the Women’s Ministries Department and joined by children, the group sang familiar Christmas songs such as “Silent Night, Holy Night” and “Jesus Loves Me, This I Know,” and shared moments of prayer with residents and staff, including the Lord’s Prayer. Residents were also presented with shoeboxes filled with gifts, and the visit brought visible joy and encouragement to both residents and care providers.
