Thank you to everyone who donated so generously to our Christmas Care Packages this year! Thanks to the incredible support from our community, we received more donations than ever before. The response was so overwhelming that we didn’t need to top up supplies with a shop, every item came directly from the kindness of our donors.

Together, we created 56 individual care bags and 10 larger care boxes, each thoughtfully packed with practical essentials, festive treats and small comforts. Each package also included a gorgeous handmade Christmas card and decoration created by children from Nayland Primary School, adding a special touch of sparkle and reminding us all of the power of connection across ages. Our ACNT team had a lot of fun putting together the packages last week and we’ve been making deliveries every day to some very special older people across our region, offering not just useful items, but a reminder that they are seen, valued and cared for at a time of year that can feel especially isolating.

Behind the scenes, our office was transformed as the team gathered to pack the bags – tables covered in boxes of donated food and supplies. There was plenty of laughter, teamwork and pride as each care package came together, making the experience just as joyful for our staff as it was meaningful for the recipients.

Treats so good you need to hide them out of reach!

Pictured here is Ivan, one of the recipients of a Christmas Care Package, together with Jamie from our ACNT team.
Ivan is a regular at our Wednesday Tea & Talk in Richmond. He shared how grateful he was to receive his bag of goodies and told us how delicious the treats were – so much so that he enjoyed some straight away! He then asked his carer to put the remaining treats at the back of the fridge, so they’d be harder for him to reach, giving them a chance of lasting until Christmas. Moments like this capture just how meaningful these care packages are and the joy they bring.

Thank you for helping us make this year’s Christmas Care Packages so special. Your generosity has truly brightened the season for many older people, and we are deeply grateful for your continued support.

We’re taking a break over Christmas but our office will open again the week starting 5th January 2026. When we return in the New Year, our work continues, supporting those in need, offering help in tough moments, and ensuring older adults in our region stay connected and informed through our regular events and activities. Thank you for making this season brighter, and for helping us carry that care into the year ahead.