Kind relatives and staff at a care home are spreading a little festive cheer among homeless people who will be sleeping on the streets or in a hostel this Christmas.
The idea behind the special Yule Tide delivery of the “parcels filled with love” came from Cindy Clutton, manager of Pendine Park’s Hillbury Care Home in Wrexham.
According to Cindy, the staff and relatives of residents were keen to get involved.
The home’s cooks, Karen Day and Karen Hesketh, baked delicious mince pies and shortbread biscuits which have been put into specially made Christmas gift wraps.
The parcels also included gloves, scarves, chocolates, toiletries, warm clothing and some blankets too.
The gifts were handed over to the Salvation Army who agreed to distribute the gifts among homeless people in the town.
Cindy said: “They know the people in most need and who will benefit most from our gifts.
“I’m delighted in the response from staff who have either made donations of goods or given money instead which we are giving to the Salvation Army so they can use it to buy other essentials homeless people might need.”
She added: “The response really has been lovely and it’s wonderful to think that everyone here is thinking, not just about their own families and themselves but those people less fortunate who haven’t got a warm home in which to spend Christmas.
“I’d like to particularly thank Barbara Roberts, who is 86 and the wife of one of residents, Donald Roberts, who is also 86. Barbara has donated a large quantity of clothing, toiletries and other essentials to the appeal. She really did go above and beyond to help.”
Barbara Roberts wanted to help spread a little love around at Christmas as she believes if you don’t give love you won’t receive any yourself.
She said: “We call need to spread a little love around and I wanted to help Cindy and the rest of the carers here at Pendine Park with their wonderful appeal.
“My wonderful husband, Donald, has been a resident here since April. It’s an amazing place and the care he receives is second to none. He has the onset of Alzheimer’s and dementia and can’t live at home. He still recognises me which is good.
“We were married in April 1956 and have never really been apart. I come here every day and the staff care for me as much as the care for Donald really.
“I hail from Llay and Donald from Coedpoeth. He was a volunteer ambulance driver, we didn’t have paramedics in those days, and he also worked as a plumber. I worked in a steam laundry; I also repaid nylons and then worked as a catering manager in Kellogg’s for many years.”
She added: “I’m just glad to have been able to help with this appeal. If it helps a homeless person keep warm and have a bit of Christmas cheer this year it will have been worth it.
“It doesn’t surprise me that Cindy and her carers carried out this appeal, that’s just the sort of people they are. I couldn’t wish for a better, more homely place for Donald to be at.”
