Guardian steps in to save hamper distribution

Volunteers from the Bridge Community venue in South Woodford brought Christmas cheer to some of the borough's most vulnerable pensioners last year when they handed out the festive gifts at homes in and around the Orchard Estate.

But the centre faced having to cancel the distribution this year after only one donation was made by the local community, and too few people came forward to help deliver them.

When the Guardian heard about the situation we asked our friends at Wanstead and Woodford’s branches of Waitrose and Tesco if they could help out and they stepped forward with hundreds of pounds worth of stock, meaning volunteers could deliver dozens of hampers to elderly people and those living on their own across Woodford Green on Christmas Eve.

Maggie Kapnisis, 65, of Scooter Close in Woodford Green said: “It's such a lovely surprise, and so nice to be thought of at this time of year.

“Getting a hamper is so nice because it's full of lots of little treats, and things you wouldn't buy yourself, like individual Christmas puddings!

“I'm a widower and so wouldn't normally buy things like that just for myself. It's so lovely to have something to look forward to in this time of my life.”

Neighbour Rose Rosie, 94, said: “It's such a wonderful Christmas present, and it was such a surprise to see it arrive on my doorstep.

“I'll be spending Christmas with my son, who lives just over the road, so I'm sure we'll have a good time especially with all these lovely gifts.”

One of the community centre's fundraisers, Michael Harden, 45, said: ““It's lovely to see people's reaction when you turn up with a hamper for them. People are so appreciative, especially at this time of year.

“It's a real privilege to give them out, especially last minute on Christmas Eve. It's a real lift for lot of people.

“We're all really grateful to the Guardian for stepping in and helping, it's meant a lot of people will have a better Christmas.”