People in Cumbria are being encouraged to do their bit to help older, vulnerable and lonely members of the community.
Local home care company, Home Instead South Lakes, is launching its annual gift-giving campaign, ‘Be a Santa’, asking people across the local community to gift small presents to older, vulnerable and lonely people across the area this Christmas.
The company, which provides care to older people within their own homes, ran the campaign last year and were lucky to receive 600 gifts that were distributed across the area. They are hoping to make a similar difference this year and are asking local people, businesses and organisations to get involved however they can.
Home Instead are hosting a donation point at Morrisons in Kendal where people can donate small gifts including jigsaws, puzzle books, biscuits, chocolates, gloves, scarves and socks – all small presents that can be gifted to those who may not otherwise receive a gift at Christmas.
Morrisons is also creating ‘pick up packs’, containing easy gift ideas and options at varying prices.
Kirsty, community champion at Morrisons in Kendal said: “It is a pleasure to be working alongside Home Instead again this year for their gift-giving campaign. Last year we were able to help them collect hundreds of gifts which had an amazingly positive impact on the community, bringing cheer to older people.
“We try to help give back to our local community however possible and Home Instead’s initiative is a great one that we are proud to be involved with.”
The presents will be distributed to local charities and groups including Manna House, Impact Housing, the People’s Café, Kendal Self Isolations Support Group and a number of care homes and other community organisations throughout Kendal.
Rachel Sanders, recruitment and community engagement officer at Home Instead South Lakes said: “We are so excited to be launching our Christmas campaign again. The past year has been another unusual one, with the various lockdown periods increasing instances of isolation and loneliness, particularly in the elderly community.
“Although our clients are lucky enough to receive care and companionship from our caregivers, reducing instances of loneliness, we know many are not so lucky. We are determined to put a smile on as many faces as possible by donating gifts across Kendal. So many people have little or no family and are unlikely to receive much or anything at all during the festive season.
“Morrisons in Kendal played a huge part in helping us collect the gifts and we are proud to be working with them again this year.”
Gifts can be donated at Morrisons in Kendal until December 16. If you can, wrap and label your gift based on the targeted recipient. Unfortunately, Home Instead can only accept new gifts as they are being distributed to vulnerable people.
To find out more about the ‘Be a Santa’ gift-giving campaign, contact Home Instead South Lakes on 01539 291804 or visit https://www.homeinstead.co.uk/south-lakes/.
