Community pulled together at Christmas, donating 250 gifts to those in need

The community has shown their generosity over the festive season, all thanks to a heartwarming campaign led by local home care company Home Instead Northwich & Knutsford.

The ‘Be a Santa’ annual initiative encourages local businesses and members of the community to donate presents to ageing adults.  

Home Instead understands the challenges faced by older people at Christmas, with many left feeling alone and isolated, often missing out on the festivities so many of us enjoy. In a bid to combat this loneliness, the company rallied the community together and set out to collect gifts, big and small, to make sure they also had something to open on the big day.

The campaign was a resounding success, with 250 presents collected from generous local businesses and individuals. These gifts were distributed to 105 older adults, many of whom received multiple presents to make their Christmas extra special. 

The recipients of these gifts included guests at events hosted by Re-Engage UK, attendees of Betty’s Christmas Tea Party, and Home Instead clients. Each of these individuals were alone during Christmas, but the gifts and gatherings helped provide them with moments of joy and Christmas spirit. 

Re-Engage UK commented:

“We just wanted to say a huge thank you to you all at Home Instead for the lovely gifts. We were overwhelmed at all the amazing presents you dropped off. Our guests had a wonderful afternoon and we are wishing everyone a happy new year.”

Betty’s Christmas Tea Party also commented:

"Thank you so much for all the presents donated for all the attendees, they had a brilliant day.”

Home Instead clients who received gifts also reached out to express their thanks, each touched by the generosity and kindness of their community. 

Nick Hodgson, Director of Operations at Home Instead Northwich & Knutsford commented:

“Our annual Be a Santa campaign brings so much joy to older people during the festive season, and I’m always blown away by the support we receive. 

“At Home Instead we are committed to spreading kindness and making a difference, so it’s really rewarding to know we can do our bit to make Christmas that little bit brighter for those in need.

“On behalf of myself and the entire team, I want to thank everyone in the community for their generosity, we couldn't do it without you! We’re already looking forward to bringing the magic of Christmas to those in need again this year.”

The company was very grateful to receive support and donations from the following local organisations:

• Morrisons, Winsford (the company had a stand and trolley there for the day, where community majority of gifts came from)
• Weaver Valley rotary
• Sally Smith, I’m Worried About Mum
• Willow Vets
• Butchers & Barlow
• Daneside Mews & Daneside Court
• Minute Man Press, printing company
• Waiive, printing company
• Waitrose, Northwich
• Booths, Knutsford

Home Instead provides home care to members of the local community, allowing them to live independently in a safe and familiar environment where they feel most comfortable.

To find out more about the services they offer, please call:

01606 800101

...or visit: 

https://www.homeinstead.co.uk/northwich-knutsford/

Pictured - Present donations from the community at Home Instead Northwich & Knutsford.