On Friday 4 December, I visited the Tesco Bicester Superstore in support of the Santa to a Senior campaign. This initiative asks shoppers to make small gift donations to a decorated shopping trolley at the store’s entrance, which are then wrapped and distributed to local older people who otherwise might not receive anything.
I met Dr. Graham and Elaine Holtom, owners of Home Instead North Oxfordshire, and Rev. Dennis Niziol, Chairman of The Seniors’ Initiative for Bicester Churches, who are responsible for organising the annual campaign. Many have already donated to the cause, with the opportunity to deliver gifts directly to Home Instead in Deddington proving particularly popular this year. I also spoke to Gemma Easton, Store Manager, and Katy Andrew, Community Champion at the Tesco Bicester Superstore to discuss the impact of the pandemic on the store and measures put in place to protect customers.
This year has been particularly difficult for the elderly, with many forced to shield or isolate, often without company for long periods. Christmas is a time to come together in support of our most vulnerable and I hope all of us will take this opportunity to donate a small gift to those who otherwise might not be expecting anything under their tree.
Gifts can be left in the decorated trolley by the store entrance until Friday 11 December. Donations can also be delivered to the Home Instead offices between 8am - 5pm, Mon - Fri, at Home Farm Works, Clifton Road, Deddington. It is recommended to give small presents which older people will appreciate such as puzzles, toiletries and confectionary.
