by Jamie Bullen

jbullen@thekmgroup.co.uk

Spare a thought for hundreds of elderly people spending Christmas alone this year and give them something to look forward to.

The Messenger has teamed up with Age UK to launch our Show You Care campaign to provide gifts for lonely pensioners.

We are asking you to donate presents at three checkpoints across north Kent which will then be distributed by the charity to the elderly.

Age UK, the new name for Help the Aged and Age Concern after they merged, predicts that thousands of pensioners face having little company over the festive period.

John Arnold, chief officer of Darent Valley Age UK, said: “We are extremely grateful for any help that we receive. It is nice to know there are people out there willing to help our frail elderly this Christmas.”

Mr Arnold said any donations would be delivered to houses across Gravesham, Dartford and Swanley in the run-up to Christmas Day.

Gifts can be left at the customer services desks at Asda Gravesend in Thames Way, Gravesend, and Waitrose Dartford in The Orchards Shopping Centre, Dartford. You can also donate presents at the Messenger’s office at 7 High Street, Gravesend.

We are looking for non-perishable food such as biscuits or tinned meat, and donations of new warm clothing.

Small bottles of wine or after dinner mints would also be welcome.
Equally, why not consider donating a craft item such as wool, knitting needles or jigsaws?

Gifts can be donated at the checkpoints from Saturday, December 10 until Wednesday, December 21.