PEOPLE from Wales are being asked by an award-winning care agency in the country to show they care by putting together shoeboxes full of essential for the elderly (November 2020).
Abacare’s Bangor and Newtown branches have launched the shoebox appeal, for the sixth year running, for its service users who may not be able to get outside to pick up essentials this festive season.
Neil Griffiths, Regional Manager at Abacare, which provides care across Wales, said: “This year has been an extremely tough one and we want to put a smile on our service users’ faces, so thought we would run our shoebox appeal once again as it has been so popular in the past.
“During the festive season, due to the cold and wet weather, it’s difficult for our service users to get out and about as they normally would do and pick up any essentials they need. Now with the added risk of COVID-19, even more are staying put at home.
“We’re asking people to fill a shoebox with essentials and other bits and pieces that they think would really help brighten someone’s day. We would suggest hats, scarves, slippers, toiletries, books and something a bit more festive and fun for Christmas. This year they could also add hand sanitiser, biscuits, tissues and other basics such as pasta and soups.
“We ask that people only take part in the appeal if they have not shown any symptoms of COVID-19 and have not felt unwell at all prior to putting the boxes together. All boxes received will be quarantined for at least 72 hours prior to anyone handling them. After this, staff will wear PPE when moving, wrapping and handling the boxes.
“All of the boxes donated will be evenly distributed among our elderly service users and we’re sure it will really help brighten their day.”
Any shoeboxes can be dropped off, contact free, at Abacare’s Bangor office at 9, Ash Court, Parc Menai, Bangor, Gwynedd, LL57 4DF or at the reception at its Newtown office at St David’s House, New Road, Newtown, Powys, SY16 1RB.
The deadline for boxes to be received is Friday, December 18.
