Home care firm launches appeal to help lonely and isolated this Christmas

A home care firm in Stoke Newington has launched its ‘Be a Santa to a Senior’ campaign and is hoping to distribute donated Christmas presents to older people in the community who may not receive a gift this year.

Home Instead has partnered with the Salvation Army, St. Josephs Hospice and the Alzheimer’s Society branches in City and Hackney, which will be helping distribute the donated gifts to older people, many of whom will be facing a Christmas of hardship, illness, or isolation as a result of the pandemic.

The branch has received donations from Tesco and Marks and Spencer but is also appealing to people in the community of Hackney to donate a gift before the campaign ends on 11 December.

Nina Daranijo, owner of Home Instead, Stoke Newington, said: “This year has been difficult for everyone, but particularly for seniors, many of whom have had to isolate or shield, unable to see their families or loved ones for months at a time.

“Now we are experiencing a second wave, many seniors may see themselves alone once more over the Christmas season.”

’It is the season for giving and we know many may not receive gifts this year’

Suggestions for donations include chocolates and biscuits, gloves, hats and scarves, calendars and puzzle books.

Ms Daranijo said: “At Home Instead, we want to give a little cheer to seniors in the community this December. It is the season for giving and we know that many may not receive gifts this year.

“If you can donate anything to our campaign, you will be bringing a smile to the face of an elderly person this Christmas!”

Once purchased, people are being asked to take their present to a drop-off point at its offices at Stoke Newington. Once received, the team at the office will wrap the presents ready for distribution.

All gifts will be left to isolate for the required amount of time to make them COVID-secure and will be delivered contact-free.

If you would like to donate to the ‘Be a Santa to a Senior’, ring Home Instead on 0208 1945100 to let them know you are dropping off a donation.

click here for more details or to contact Home Instead (Stoke Newington, Leyton & Wanstead)