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Although Christmas is generally seen as a time for cheer, it can be difficult for those without family, particularly if they are elderly and alone.
Amberlea CHT has teamed up with Rodney Age Concern to do its best to make sure that aged residents in the community have something to open on Christmas Day.
Collection points for small gift items have been set up at churches, libraries and staff rooms of large local businesses such as New World and Mitre 10.
Donated items will be arranged into attractively wrapped shoebox gift packages by the residents of Amberlea and will then be passed onto Rodney Age Concern.
It is the third year Amberlea has held a collection, and boxes were previously given out through the RSA and medical centres.
Coordinator Suzanne Jones says this year she teamed up with Age Concern because they have a good understanding of who in the community is lonely.
Age Concern has a visiting service run by volunteers who call in on elderly people in their homes to provide social interaction and reduce isolation, and this month they will come bearing gifts.
Typical items that get donated are chocolates, home baking, soaps, decorations, scarves, games, stationery, diaries, little plants, socks and hankies.
Suzanne says people are welcome to either donate items or fill up their own shoeboxes to drop off at Amberlea or a collection point.
The cut-off point for donating is December 10, but Suzanne is still keen for local business to get in touch with Amberlea if they have goods to donate, or if they want to be a collection point in the future.
Info: Suzanne 425 5017
