Christmas Comes Early

Christmas has come early this year for more than 400 older people across East Lindsey, thanks to the volunteer elves from Age UK Lindsey delivering surprise festive packages.

The wellbeing packs were supplied thanks to funding from the national Age UK organisation and T.E.D. – the National Lottery Community-funded aging better programme in East Lindsey.

Delighted to see so many happy faces as the team knocked on doors right across the district, Projects Manager Liz Brooks said: “In a year when there has been limited things to cheer about it has been a privilege to be able to provide and deliver these.

“One benefit from this unusual year has been the fact that we have been able to demonstrate our support in a different way,” she added.

The packs, which contained chocolate treats, mince pies and other goodies, were distributed amongst over 50s in East Lindsey who are regular befriending and wellbeing clients or attended the charity’s lunch clubs prior to this year’s restrictions being imposed.

Woodhall Spa’s Woodland Café contributed to making them special, and school children from Fiskerton, Great Steeping and Horncastle also designed Christmas cards which accompanied them. The cards were entered into a competition, sponsored by Horncastle Tesco, with the winners being Ben Willoughby from Great Steeping Primary School (7 and under category), and Liberty Stepnieska from Fiskerton CofE Primary School (8 and over category).

“The response has been overwhelming with resounding praise to the cards designed by the school children and the lovely treats provided. It was extremely rewarding, but I have to admit I do now empathise with all those delivery drivers – and house names should definitely go into room 101,” laughed Liz.