Hamper delights bring festive cheer to the elderly

January 10th 2012

Young people aged between 7 to 18 years who attend Five Lamps’ Youthy have busy during November and December 2011 making homemade gift hampers, which have been donated to elderly residents in Thornaby

The young people have been learning cooking skills, which they have used to create delicious jams, tasty chutneys, shortbread and mince pies. Even bird food balls were made and also given out.

Staff and volunteers spent time with the young people, teaching them how to knit and crochet scarves, slipper socks and headbands to be given out with the hampers.

The young people involved in making the hampers are regular attenders at The Youthy on an evening and weekend at Allstars, VIBE, Senior Youthy and Sunday Youth Clubs.

22 hampers were given to local elderly residents in South Thornaby and Mandale and Victoria ward of Thornaby. The response from the residents has been fantastic and the young people feel proud of their efforts.

Eileen Craggs, a local resident said

“Absolutely brilliant, what a good gesture” and another resident from Forest Mews said “We don’t get many visitors. It’s absolutely lovely, a bit of Christmas spirit”

The young people were really pleased to receive a lovely thank you card from Mrs Armstrong saying

“Thank you for being considerate to residents of Cedar Court”