A TAUNTON home care company is urging people to donate as it launches a gift-giving campaign to support the elderly over Christmas.

Home Instead Taunton has started its ‘Be a Santa’ scheme to collect and distribute gifts to older people in the community who might not receive a present otherwise.

Members of the public can drop off presents such as chocolates, biscuits, toiletries, puzzle books, or winter clothing, such as gloves, scarves, and blankets until December 20.

Home Instead Taunton has had 200 gift requests within the local community.

The donated gifts will be wrapped in festive wrapping paper and distributed to Taunton YMCA, Wellsprings Church, Reminiscence Learning, and Ed Cullen Catering.

Vanessa Munson, co-owner of Home Instead Taunton, said: “So far, we have been blown away by the generosity of those who have already donated.

“Being able to spread Christmas cheer to aging adults who feel alone and seeing the difference we’ve made to their Christmas is truly an honour.

"As a home care company for aging adults, we see how loneliness can affect people, so this campaign is extremely important to us."

The home care company is all around the local area encouraging people to think of others over the festive season.

Gifts can be dropped off at donation stations located at:

  • Tesco Express, Galmington;
  • Church of the Holy Cross, in Thornfalcon;
  • St Michael’s Church, Creech St Michael;
  • St Georges Church, Ruishton;
  • St Michaels Church, Galmington;
  • Specsavers, Taunton;
  • Vivary Golf Club;
  • Home Instead Taunton office.

To find out more about the ‘Be a Santa’ gift-giving campaign, or the home care services Home Instead Taunton offers, call 01823 211121 or click HERE.