AS the festive season approaches Powys residents are being urged to spare a thought for lonely and vulnerable older people who may well be spending Christmas alone.
The Age Cymru Partnership is urging people across the county to donate festive gift boxes for older people.
The charity, alongside Age Connects Wales and Care and Repair Cymru, is asking the public to fill a wrapped shoe box with simple gifts such as gloves, hats, scarves and books, alongside traditional festive treats such as shop-bought chocolates, mince pies and cakes.
A Christmas card with a warm message would also be appreciated.
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Your boxes can then be dropped off to at a Powys donation station, located in Llandrindod Wells.
“The festive period can be particularly difficult for older people living alone, especially those with poor health or who have recently been bereaved,” said Age Cymru’s chief executive, Victoria Lloyd.
“We know that for many lonely older people your gift box will be the only present they’ll receive over the festive period.
“More importantly your gift will show them that they are still valued and that someone cares about them.”
Donation boxes in Powys can be dropped off at Age Cymru Powys’ Landrindod premises, located at Marlow, on South Crescent (LD1 5DH).
Once you’ve filled your shoe box, wrap it in festive paper and add a label indicating whether it is suitable for a female, male or generic. Please don't include personal information about yourself and don't seal your gift box but secure it with a rubber band around the closed box.
Members of the Powys public are asked to drop their gift box to the donation station between Monday, November 27, and Friday, December 1.
All the donated gift boxes will go to older people in the Powys region who receive support services from the partnership, and who may not receive any gifts this Christmas other than the ones collected.
For more information about the campaign, visit www.agecymru.org.uk/giftboxappeal, email giftboxappeal@agecymru.org.uk or call 029 2043 1555.
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