On Sunday 13th December, around 20 socially distanced volunteers helped with the packing and delivery of 150 surprise Christmas Gifts to the members of Caistor Cares and Kelsey Cares, which are both groups of the local charity, Lincolnshire Cares.
The volunteers headed out into the teeth of an Atlantic storm to make sure the gifts were received on the day on which we had hoped to hold our annual Christmas Party. The gifts had been beautifully home-baked by local caterer, Wendy Smith, ably assisted by Tina Earls and Aubrey Smith, and included mince pies, plum bread and a Christmas Cake.
Caistor Sports and Social Club was a hive of activity on the morning of Sunday 13th December, with Lincolnshire Cares volunteers donning all the necessary PPE before being kept busy packing the gifts ready for collection. Another wave of helpers then turned up to distribute the goods around the town’s seniors and even further afield into the neighbouring villages. In all, around 150 gifts were delivered, much to the surprise of those on the receiving end – some of whom were quite emotional to be remembered and thought about during these challenging times.
Chair Chris Robey said “We were delighted with how smoothly the operation went, despite the terrible conditions, and it was heart-warming to see the look of delight and surprise on our members faces. We are sorry that we have not been able to hold our coffee mornings and parties since the beginning of March, and look forward to starting these again as soon as it is safe to do so”.
“We are very grateful to a local Trust for a large anonymous donation, as well as a donation from R.A.O.B. (The Buffs), which helped cover the costs. In addition, we had a kind donation of a hamper from Ringtons, which was the main prize in a free raffle that we also organised for our members. Our main thanks must go to Wendy and her team for the huge task of baking such a quantity of lovely festive fayre, which was so well received by our members”.
If you know of anyone in Caistor, North Kelsey, South Kelsey or the surrounding villages who is over 60 and feeling isolated or lonely then please contact Chris Robey on 01472 851189, as Lincolnshire Cares are still offering a telephone befriending service, until we can go back to face to face befriending.
