Care home’s Christmas gift bags for disadvantaged children

BOOKS and chocolates were donated by a Hebburn care home to help give the town’s disadvantaged children a special Christmas.

Staff and family members of those living and working at Willowdene Care Home, on Victoria Road West, donated over 30 bags of Christmas gifts to Hebburn Helps.

The community food bank, located at South Tyneside Children’s Centre, Campbell Park Road, helps Hebburn families in need of food parcels, clothing, toys, household items and more.

The care home held an appeal for children’s books and selection boxes and staff were “overwhelmed” by the response.

Sonja Sultman, 76, a resident at Willowdene Care Home, was moved to tears when she found out the home’s staff and family members were collecting for the underprivileged children of Hebburn.

She said: “What a lovely thing for everyone to do for the kids. Everyone should have a present at Christmas.”

Christine Chandler, activities coordinator at Willowdene Care Home, helped coordinate the collection and delivered the donations to Hebburn Helps.

She said: “I was overwhelmed by the quick response by staff and family members. They have been so kind and giving, even though it’s been such a difficult year for everybody. I can’t thank them all enough.”

In a letter to the home, Angie Comerford, from Hebburn Helps, said: “On behalf of Hebburn Helps, we would like to say a sincere thank you very much for your lovely donation.

“Your generosity and kindness reflects the best in community spirit on which this organisation was founded and helps us help those in need.”