Lonely elderly target of Northumberland food hamper appeal

A FOOD hamper drive has been launched by a Blyth care home to help Northumberland’s lonely elderly over Christmas.

The Oaks Care Home, on Durban Street, is appealing for donations of non-perishable goods for festive hampers that will be distributed across the county.

The home’s elderly residents and staff have already begun collecting, with tinned vegetables, fruit, pies, tea, coffee, sugar, chocolate, toiletries and other items needed.

The hampers will be distributed to the elderly who live on their own and have no near relatives by care managers based at Eddie Ferguson House, in Blyth.

Joanne Young, senior carer at The Oaks Care Home, kicked off the appeal.

She said: “We’re doing this because we care about people who are alone at Christmas, so they know others are thinking about them and wishing them well.

“In Ashington, the local academy, Josephine Butler Primary School, is also supporting the appeal along with local pubs and restaurants.”

Ann Mielnik, home manager, added: “It’s great that our local authority has continued to help us help the elderly people in Northumberland this Christmas.

“I’m proud of the response from the team at The Oaks. It’s good to know we can make a difference.”

Donations should be made before 15^th December so they can be distributed before Christmas.

They can be dropped off in Blyth at The Oaks Care Home, Waterloo Social Club or The Waterloo. In Ashington, at The Castle, The Miners, The Ash Dene or Buffet Ninja. And the Central Social Club in Newbiggin or The Phoenix Pub in Cramlington.