CHRISTMAS came early for a Barnsley charity supporting homeless veterans after a care home shoebox appeal saw donations of more than 150 gifts.
Deangate Care Home, on Towngate, Mapplewell, launched its annual shoebox drive in October to ensure residents without families receive gifts this Christmas.
Following the success of previous years, when more than enough gifts were donated, this year’s appeal went further, supporting homeless veterans through the charity Help 4 Homeless Veterans – one of the Mayor of Barnsley’s chosen charities.
The response saw more than 150 gifts and care packages donated. They included items such as word searches, chocolates, treats, and pyjamas for residents, and food essentials, socks, gloves, hats, and toiletries for veterans.
To mark the occasion, the home hosted a “Very Merry Veteran Christmas” afternoon, where the shoeboxes and care packages were handed over to the Barnsley-based charity just in time for Christmas.
Attendees also paid tribute to care home resident veterans who passed away this year, including Sheila Johnson, Ian Dickinson, Maurice Churchouse, Bill Guest, and Jeff Wood.
After raising a glass in their memory, residents, staff and guests also enjoyed festive games, such as “Wrap the Veteran” and a wrapping paper relay race.
Among those at the event were members of the Armed Forces & Veterans Breakfast Clubs, the Dearne Armed Forces Breakfast Club, Barnsley Mayor Cllr David Leech, Cllr Joe Haywood, Help 4 Homeless Veterans CEO Steven Bentham-Bates, and founder Tom Wood. Family members of veterans who sadly passed away this year also attended.
Tom Wood said: “This is absolutely fantastic. Thank you to everyone who donated and came out to support the charity.”
Mayor Cllr Leech said: “The event at Deangate Care Home was, yet again, a well organised and well attended event. The care boxes will go to veterans who need extra support during this festive period.
“I can’t thank Deangate and all the staff enough for what they do for the veteran community in the home and the wider community.”
Cllr Haywood added: “Christmas is a time of friendship. Yesterday Deangate Care Home, along with veterans of Barnsley, sent out many gifts for those who are not as fortunate or sleeping rough.”
Steven Bentham-Bates said: “Help 4 Homeless Veterans is extremely grateful to the staff and residents of Deangate Care Home for their continuing support of our work with homeless veterans. You give hope to those who served their country when no one else seems to care. Thank you.”
Rachael Addy, activities coordinator at Deangate Care Home, is the organiser of the annual shoebox appeal. She said: “Once again the community has come together to help a charity that is close to our heart and make a difference to those who may not have anything this Christmas. We couldn’t do it without you.”