NWN Over 80s’ Parcel Fund bags going out to residents across West Berkshire this weekend

The NWN Over 80s’ parcels have started to go out to residents across the area today (Friday).

We want to say a huge thank you to all the schools and community groups who have helped us – and will continue to help us throughout the weekend – hand out out nearly 2,000 bags of goodies.

And further thanks to all the cubs and their leaders who gave up their time to help with the huge feat of packing the parcels at Sainsbury’s Newbury last weekend too.

They were ably helped by Newbury Young Farmers as they filled the reusable linen bags with some special Christmas treats inside – including a tasty pudding and biscuits.

One of the essential items is tea bags, keeping up our tradition of 100 years ago.

The Parcel Fund is not means tested in any way, as money is no bar to loneliness; it is purely a seasonal ‘thank you’ from the whole from the community to our elderly residents.

Jo Fulker, coordinator of the parcel fund, which is supported by Greenham Trust, said: “My thanks go to many Sainsbury’s staff, especially Carol Irwin the PR Ambassador, who has coordinated the food and the packing, who all very kindly gave up some of their spare time to help us this year.”

Over the weekend groups including schools, colleges and voluntary organisations, such as Rotary Clubs, will be collecting the parcels from three distribution centres and then delivering them personally to all the recipients.

“For some of these people, who are unable to get out of their house, or may live far away from friends or relatives, the delivery of the food parcel is one of the main events they look forward to over the Christmas period,” added Mrs Fulker.

“We wish them, and all of our helpers, fundraisers and supporters, a very merry Christmas.”