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Imagine it’s Christmas, you’re elderly and in hospital, isolated and alone. This scenario is a harsh reality for many elderly patients, some of whom may not receive any visitors or gifts. Northamptonshire Health Charity has recently launched its annual Christmas Gifts for Patients appeal, a heart-warming initiative that seeks to brighten the festive season for patients who find themselves in hospital during Christmas. Alison McCulloch, Head of Fundraising for the charity said, “Our Christmas Appeal was started many years ago to support those elderly patients who have nobody. Bringing a little joy to them on Christmas Day really makes such a difference. The support for the appeal from our local community has always been incredible and we are always so overwhelmed with donations of gifts that we can make sure that no inpatient in our local hospitals is forgotten on Christmas Day.” The charity supports Northampton General Hospital, Kettering General Hospital and the community and mental health hospitals under Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust. Typical items that are perfect for patients include toiletries, slippers and socks, dominoes, small puzzle and colouring books, sweets and chocolates. To maintain infection control standards, all donations must be new, in their original packaging, and not gift wrapped. Additionally, an Amazon Wish List has been created for those who prefer to select items for donation online. Visit https://www.amazon.co.uk/hz/ wishlist/ls/2388BCLQ07H41 to have items delivered directly to the charity office. You can alsomake a donation online or purchase gifts for patients via https://northamptonshirehealthcharity. enthuse.com/cf/christmas. This has proven invaluable in previous years, especially for topping up gifts, particularly for male patients. Donors can drop off their gifts Monday to Friday between 9am and 4pm at the charity office located at Springfield near the main and A&E entrances to Northampton General Hospital (Northamptonshire Health Charity, Springfield, Cliftonville, Northampton, NN1 5BE). Alternatively, when volunteers are present at the desk at the hospital’s South Entrance, donations can be left with them to pass on to the charity. At Kettering General Hospital gifts can be left with reception at the main entrance or call the charity office on 01536 491569 to meet a member of the charity team. |
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