As the festive season concludes, a Leicester charity is calling on the community to transform unwanted Christmas gifts into vital support for vulnerable older people facing a difficult winter.
The Winter Crisis for Older People
While the holidays have ended, the challenges of winter are intensifying for many elderly residents. Loneliness and social isolation are persistent issues, but the colder months present heightened difficulties. With shorter days, colder weather, and many routine services operating at reduced capacity, staying connected becomes significantly harder. This is true whether an individual celebrates Christmas or not, making it a period of increased vulnerability.
In response, Age UK has launched an urgent stock appeal named The Great Winter Bag Drop. The initiative aims to ensure its network of shops can continue generating crucial income to fund support services during this critical time.
How Leicester Residents Can Help
The Age UK Superstore in Leicester is at the heart of the local campaign. Residents are encouraged to gather unwanted presents such as clothing, toys, books, games, and household items and deliver them to the store.
Each standard bag of donated goods raises approximately £15 for the charity. This sum is enough to fund a weekly telephone friendship call for a lonely older person, providing a lifeline of conversation and companionship.
A spokesperson for the Age UK Leicester Superstore explained the dual benefit of donating: "It can be difficult to know what to do with gifts that won't be used. By donating them to our Leicester Superstore, local people can directly help tackle the isolation many older neighbours face, especially in winter. Every item, whether a duplicate board game or an unsuitable jumper, makes a real difference."
Maximising Your Donation's Impact
Donors can significantly increase the value of their contribution by signing up for Gift Aid when they drop off their items. By completing a simple form, Age UK can claim an extra 25p from the Government for every £1 raised from the sale of their donated goods.
Beyond donating items, people can also support the Leicester Superstore by volunteering. Just a few hours each week can help the shop operate effectively. More details on volunteering opportunities are available on the Age UK website under 'Charity Shop Volunteering'.
The funds raised support essential Age UK services, including:
- The Telephone Friendship Service
- The Silver Line Helpline (0800 4 70 80 90)
- The Age UK Advice Line (0800 169 6565, 8am–7pm)
These services offer friendship, advice, and support to older people who may have no one else to turn to.
Age UK operates more than 250 shops across England and Wales, all reliant on community generosity. To find your nearest shop, visit www.ageuk.org.uk/shops. The charity's wider winter appeal, 'A Crisis Hiding in Plain Sight', can be explored at www.ageuk.org.uk/appeal.
