Home Instead Swindon is spreading cheer and joy this Christmas with the success of their ‘Santa-gram’ gift giving campaign.

Launched back in November, the campaign asked people, groups and businesses around the town to donate small gifts or cards that would fit inside an A4 envelope.

These donations were then packed up into ‘Santa-gram’ envelopes and distributed to older people in the area who may not otherwise receive a gift this Christmas.

An amazing turnout meant that the campaign could donate over 370 Santa-grams with more than 3,400 donated items altogether to older people who may feel isolated this year.

Community engagement officer Rachel Jannaway said “We have been so overwhelmed by the generosity of the local community this year.

"From puzzle books, cards and letters- our local community gave in high numbers, and your donations have been so greatly appreciated by older people this year.

“It has been a tough 18 months for all of us, but especially elderly people who have suffered the most from being unable to see friends and family for long periods.

"With all of the kind donations this year, we will remind them that we are thinking of them this Christmas and hopefully bring a smile to their faces!”

Home Instead’s elves distributed the gifts to people at Cobbett Court, Parsonage Court, Faringdon Day Centre, The October Club and members of Swindon Seniors Forum.

The range of schools which donated included Brimble Hill School, Oliver Tomkins School, Holy Family Catholic Primary & Nursery School, Rodbourne Cheney School, Shaw Ridge School, Tregoze School, Noremarsh Junior School, St Bartholomews School, Broad Hinton School, Abbey Meads Primary, Uplands School, Drove Primary, Wantage CofE School, and Highworth Warneford School.

Plus, the 1st Lyneham Rainbows, Waitrose, staff at The Range, and Asda Walmart, UTAX, Checkmore Limited & Denton and Gibson Limited Freeholders of Shrivenham100, Vale and Downland Museum, McTaffs Café and members of the public generously offered donations as well.

Home Instead Swindon provides care to older people within their own homes throughout the local area, including companionship, personal care, home help and dementia care.

To find out more about Home Instead, their Christmas campaign or the home care services and careers they provide, call 01793 988537 or visit /www.homeinstead.co.uk/swindon