A CHRISTMAS shoebox appeal has resulted in donations of biscuits, chocolates and other festive gifts for Stockton’s elderly and vulnerable.
The goodies have been donated to Ingleby Care Home – one of three Hill Care homes organising the appeal – from generous residents.
One large donation came from Jean and Kevin Woods, who live in Ingleby Barwick.
Jean set up Wings of Support to raise awareness of a rare thyroid condition after being diagnosed three years ago. She had originally been misdiagnosed with thyroid cancer and given three months to live.
The charitable group has since grown and donates hampers to different causes each month – including local care homes, homeless support groups, dogs trusts and children.
Jean heard about the shoebox appeal at Ingleby Care Home, on Lamb Lane, Ingleby Barwick, and chose to donate a raft of items.
The gifts included family packs of biscuits, tubs of chocolates, tubes of crisps, a wide range of toiletries, a fruit hamper and more.
Carol Singleton, Home Manager at Ingleby Care Home, said: “We were astounded when we heard Jean and her support group, Wings of Support, wanted to donate such a large collection of gifts to our appeal.
“The number of items she brought in is amazing and they will go a long way to help the elderly and vulnerable within the Ingleby Barwick and wider Stockton community.
“Christmas is the loneliest time of year for many and a shoebox full of food, toiletries and other items may be the only gift they receive.
“We’ve been given so many items since we launched the appeal and I’d like to extend our thanks to everyone who has donated. They will make a real difference to so many people this Christmas.”
The Hill Care Stockton shoebox appeal has been supported by the care homes’ local Tesco store, on Durham Road, which has been taking donations from shoppers.
Wynsors World of Shoes has donated more than 200 shoeboxes to the appeal, so the gifts can be wrapped and distributed.
The appeal is ongoing, so anyone interested in donating can drop items off at any of the three Stockton Hill Care homes:
- The Beeches Care Home, Green Lane, Newtown
- Ingleby Care Home, Lamb Lane, Ingleby Barwick
- Mandale House Care Home, 136 Acklam Road, Thornaby
The homes are also appealing for shoeboxes, wrapping paper and volunteers to help wrap the gifts.