All set for Over 80s' parcel fund packing

Volunteers at the ready for Newbury Weekly News campaign

It’s official – Christmas is well on its way at last and to prove it, the Newbury Weekly News has purchased all the food it needs for the 2,010 parcels we deliver to the district’s Over 80s at this time of year.

Today, nearly 100 of Santa’s elves from Cub groups across Newbury, together with members of staff from Sainsbury’s and other volunteers, will be packing the food into the 2,010 food parcels.

These will then be distributed to all the lucky recipients on delivery day, next Saturday, December 12.

A big thanks goes to the PR ambassador at Sainsbury’s Carol Irwin, who has had the mammoth task of ordering such large quantities of food and ensuring it is all ready for Sunday’s packing.

The Newbury Weekly News Over 80s’ Parcel Fund is a truly local event, and is not means-tested in any way.

It is purely a way for the community to say thank you, through the local newspaper, to our local elderly residents for everything they have done during their lifetime.

Fundraising is still underway, and last weekend 200 pupils from Kennet School were bag packing for customers at Sainsburys on Saturday, which brought in an amazing £1,404.89.

Our thanks go to Mr Joyce and all the Kennet School children who gave up their time on Saturday.

More than 25 Downe House School children were out with the buckets again on Sunday, helping shoppers pack Christmas shopping, which brought in another £485.38.

At the same time, the Newbury Rotarians collecting for us which brought in another £190.02, bringing the total raised last weekend at Sainsbury’s to an impressive £2,000 – a huge thank you to all.

So for all of you who are expecting a food parcel, put December 12 in your diary, and keep your eyes open for all the little Santas that will be roaming West Berkshire that day laden with festive goodies.

Please note the deadline for adding names to the Newbury Weekly News Over 80s’ Christmas parcel list has now passed.

Jo Fulker