Home Instead Chelmsford is spreading holiday cheer amongst isolated older people in the community through its annual ‘Be a Santa’ gift giving scheme this Christmas.

This festive campaign sees the team calling for the public to donate presents, which are then distributed to older members of the community who might not otherwise receive gifts during Christmas. The local home care company has run the initiative since 2015, donating thousands of gifts to older people in the community.

Organiser Joanne Hill at Home Instead Chelmsford said: “It’s important that we bring joy to our community, especially during Christmas, which can be a difficult time for older adults. Bringing smiles to their faces truly makes a difference, and we are committed to making this Christmas season a little brighter for them.”

Last year, the overwhelming response and support from the public resulted in over 500 gifts being donated, including hampers and raffle prizes, which were collected, wrapped and delivered out in time for the festive period to the local community.

With the support of their office team and fantastic care professionals, they were able to break previous records and were blown away with the generous response they received. This year, they are wanting to make it even bigger and better!

This Christmas, they will be teaming up with Tesco on Princes Road, Chelmsford on Wednesday 29^th November, Thursday 30^th November and Monday 4^th December from 10am – 2pm.

The Home Instead team will be handing out wish lists, providing shoppers with gift suggestions and ideas of the kind of gifts they might like to purchase and donate.

These could be a variety of items, including toiletries, gift sets, winter clothing, kitchenware, and groceries that can be used to create hampers. Their hope is that the gifts the older people receive will bring them some joy over the festive period.

Joanne added: “Loneliness is a serious issue affecting older adults so teaming up with the local community again this year will really help bring joy this Christmas and make it one to remember.”

If you know an older person who would benefit from a gift this Christmas, or would like some more information on how to get involved yourself, please call 01245 200780 or visit https://www.homeinstead.co.uk/chelmsford