How Christmas is coming early for vulnerable people in two close-knit Derbyshire villages

Christmas is coming early for residents in two Derbyshire villages after an ‘army’ of volunteers gave their time and money to support vulnerable members of the community.
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A group of people in Shirland and Higham have prepared 190 ‘boxes of love’ to cheer elderly and vulnerable villagers who have been shielding or self-isolating during the coronavirus pandemic.

The hampers, which include treats, toiletries and a specially-made Christmas card from children at Shirland Primary School, are being delivered to over-70s in the two villages, between Chesterfield and Alfreton, over the coming days.

Veronica Farr, 75, the first recipient of a hamper,  with her grandchildren Aminata and Absa.Veronica Farr, 75, the first recipient of a hamper,  with her grandchildren Aminata and Absa.
Veronica Farr, 75, the first recipient of a hamper, with her grandchildren Aminata and Absa.
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One of the organisers, Natalie Touray, said it had been a ‘real community effort’ and more than £400 had been received just in cash donations.

“My friend Amy Bradshaw had the idea to spread a bit of Christmas cheer after a rubbish year and asked me to help her set it up,” Natalie said.

"I set up a Facebook page, email and PayPal accounts.

"An army of volunteers offered to make hampers and we used donations to make up the shortfall.

Delivery Elves Poppy and Lexi Bradshaw with hampers for elderly people in Shirland and Higham.Delivery Elves Poppy and Lexi Bradshaw with hampers for elderly people in Shirland and Higham.
Delivery Elves Poppy and Lexi Bradshaw with hampers for elderly people in Shirland and Higham.

"People nominated villagers who were over 70 or had been shielding or isolating, and we ended up with 190 nominees!

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“Lots of local businesses have also contributed and other individuals donated cash.”

Natalie says another volunteer, Katy Butcher, has made up more than 30 hampers from individual items donated.

Jill Wilkinson helped with storage and logistics, and Emma Wragg set up a data base of nominees and organised the delivery ‘Elves’ in the two villages.

"But really the whole community deserves a big thank you as it’s been a real community effort,” Natalie said.

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"With some money left over we have brought hand cream and a scratch card for every member of staff at the local primary school and some Christmas community lights.

Natalie said the project has already had ‘a brilliant reaction from the community’.

She added: “Elves will be delivering the packages to nominees shortly so if you receive a box of goodies on your doorstep it’s from your community, with love.”

For more information about the scheme, visit the Shirland 2020 group’s Facebook page here.

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.