The Parish Church of St John-at-Hampstead

1/10/2016

Being Good Neighbours at Christmas Rosemary Loyd and Diana Finning

The HPC Christmas Hamper Scheme
Next month (on 6th November) we will launch our appeal for financial contributions towards Christmas hampers in support of AgeUK ’s Good Neighbour Scheme. Last year we packed thirty-one baskets filled with Traidcraft food items, dates, tissues, a pen and notebook, face flannel. soap, handcream, Christmas Crackers and a Christmas card. Wrapped in cellophane and tied with red ribbon bows the baskets were delivered by AgeUK volunteers to lonely, elderly and frail people within our community, many of whom are housebound and rarely have visitors. They were warmly received, and we in turn received messages of surprise and delight at being remembered.

This year AgeUK have identified some forty people in NW3 who risk being overlooked in the 2016 festive season. Many have chronic health problems and struggle to keep warm in winter, and it was suggested by the charity’s co-ordinator that a small hot water bottle with a knitted cover would be another useful, practical addition to each basket. Several of the congregation and their friends have now completed the knitting project, and towards the end of November the Social Action and Pastoral Care committees will enlist help to fill the baskets and deliver across the road to AgeUK.

If you would like to support this scheme your contribution can sponsor a whole Hamper (£20), half a hamper (£10) or a quarter hamper (10). It would be lovely to have another successful appeal this year.

£££     We will be collecting money for the Hampers on Sunday 6th November after the 10.30am service.