Christmas gifts from the heart of Andover

Every year Stannah sponsor the Christmas goodie bags distributed by AgeUK to seventy elderly people in the Andover area who may be alone at Christmas.

The parcels are filled with festive goodies from Waitrose, who, together with volunteers from Stannah, pack up the seasonal food essentials and treats. The parcels are topped off with StannahTalk, a special magazine for Stannah customers, and a fun read.

Debra Watts, AgeUK Trustee explains; “We love this project and are most grateful to Stannah, Waitrose and the Rotary for their year on year support. A special thank you goes to the delivery volunteers.”

Stannah volunteers: Melanie Webb, Daren Evans, Steve Williams, Tiffany Howell, Shone Thomson, Tracey Jeffreys, Laci Hardy, Romia Mackinson, Caroline White

This year the first parcel of the marathon delivery was personally presented by Cllr Carl Borg-Neal, The Worshipful Mayor of Test Valley and the Mayoress Mrs Maria Neal.  Recipient Joan Johnson, a life-long fundraiser in Andover, was delighted to meet the Mayor and Mayoress in her own home, together with Debra Watts and Joan’s sister, who was herself a volunteer with AgeUK for many years.

Joan commented; “I was thrilled to welcome the Mayor and his party to my home. What a treat for Christmas! The contents of my parcel are so appreciated, it’s a lovely idea and really does make a difference to, what can be, a lonely time of the year.”

Six Stannah volunteers then packed up their vehicles and headed off to deliver the goodie bags and some festive cheer to recipients all over Andover and surrounding villages.

Jon Stannah, Group Managing Director adds; “We are delighted to provide funding and volunteers for this great initiative from AgeUK Andover.  Our volunteers enjoy meeting some wonderful elderly residents, who have themselves given so much to their community. It’s a thank you from us all.”