Shrewsbury shoppers urged to donate Christmas gifts to older people
Shoppers are being invited to donate presents to older people who may otherwise face Christmas alone
A Christmas gift appeal has returned to a Shrewsbury store, giving shoppers the chance to bring festive cheer to older people who may otherwise spend the season alone.
Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin is once again working with Dunelm in Shrewsbury on its Delivering Joy initiative, which invites customers to buy a present for an older person in the local community.
A special Christmas tree in the store displays gift tags, each with a suggested present and a description of the recipient.
Shoppers can choose a tag, buy the suggested gift and return it to the store in a bag by the date shown on the tag.
The donated presents will then be distributed by Dunelm and the charity to local older people, including those who attend its day centres and dementia support groups.
Clare Davis, chief executive of Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin, said: "Christmas can be a particularly challenging time for older people who may be experiencing loneliness or facing the festive season without the company of family and friends.
"Delivering Joy gives our local community a simple but incredibly meaningful way to show kindness and let older people know they are remembered."
She added that 2026 would be the final year of the charity's partnership with Dunelm.
"We want to say a huge thank you for everything they have done to support older people in Shropshire. Their generosity, commitment and partnership have helped bring joy to so many people, and we're incredibly grateful."
Tracey Stevens, store manager at Dunelm in Shrewsbury, said: "Delivering Joy is one of our favourite community projects, and we're always touched by the generosity of our customers.
"Every gift represents a thoughtful gesture and a reminder to someone that they are cared about. We're delighted to be working with Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin again to help make Christmas special for local older people."
Shoppers can find the Delivering Joy Christmas tree at Dunelm in Shrewsbury and choose a gift tag to take part.
For more information about Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin, visit ageuk.org.uk/shropshireandtelford/ or call 01743 233 123.