Rising costs for energy, heating and essential items are making life harder for everyone this winter. For the most vulnerable people in society, it can feel like there’ll be such a tough time ahead. That’s why here at upperCare, we’re determined to provide a little extra help however we can.
Taking our inspiration from the annual Operation Christmas Child appeal, we’re asking some of our team members to put together shoebox-sized care packages. Instead of children’s games, toys and educational materials, our elderly care shoeboxes will be filled with small items to help older people feel cosy and bring them some extra Christmas cheer.
We’re advising that practical items like scarves, gloves, hats and hot water bottles should be included. This isn’t a comprehensive list, though. Care staff can include anything else they feel would be handy for somebody facing the colder months on their own.
Additionally, we’re welcoming non-perishable edible items that will help keep people feeling cosy this winter. We encourage items including cup soup sachets, hot chocolate, and perhaps even some cheeky little Christmas treats like fancy biscuits or some miniature chocolates. Whatever we think will bring a smile to somebody’s face.
Care teams at our branches in Chester, Cheshire East and Scarborough have already begun putting together their own shoeboxes. If each member of staff made one box each, we’d have a considerable haul of donations that would benefit elderly people in our own communities and all over the UK.
Once collected, all shoeboxes will either be sent onwards to Age UK for distribution to vulnerable people in need, or to our own clients who we believe deserve a little extra help this winter.
Whilst these selected upperCare offices are participating, we also invite other upperCare teams throughout the country to join in and bring some Christmas cheer to their own service users throughout December.