Swindon is famous for many things, but what sometimes goes unappreciated is the town’s sense of community spirit.

This was never more evident than during the festive season and the Adver was inundated with responses when we asked for the acts of kindness readers had experienced.

Here are just some of the amazing things the people of Swindon did for each other.

Swindon Borough Council’s Live Well team teamed up with local volunteers to deliver 260 gifts to socially isolated residents and younger people in homeless hostels in the own.

Gifts collected from council workers and the social investment and finance and efficiency teams at Nationwide Building Society were handed out.

The Southbrook Inn pub provided the Christmas dinners for residents in The Ridings extra care housing free of charge. 

Donna Harber said: “It was amazing and it made their Christmas as some don’t have any family.”

Danielle Brown was handed a box by a kind stranger which contained a variety of supplies and treats for her family. 

She said: “We were randomly passed this box whilst sat on our doorstep and was wished a Merry Christmas by the very kind lady. Such a kind thing to do.”

Lizze Carpenter’s family faced the prospect of a difficult Christmas with her father in hospital, but things were made a little easier when Ryan Richards, a butcher based in Lambourn food hall, dropped off a surprise Christmas hamper to her mum. 

“My dad is in hospital over the Christmas period and my mum received this amazing Christmas dinner hamper from Ryan Richards on Christmas Eve to help us as we had no chance to prepare for dinner,” said Lizzie. 

“Amazing man and act of kindness.”

Rebecca Mellor’s neighbour left two jars of sweets on her doorstep unprompted. 

“They were with a cute note saying 'silly Santa left these at our house'. Lovely little surprise when our doorbell picked up them sneaking it over in the early hours,” she said. 

Many people wanted to thank Chris Davis, Swindon’s very own Santa Claus, for arranged for any families in need to receive gifts and a message for children and parents.

Vanessa Alley said: “Chris Davis organised this amazing project and ensured it was all handed out to everyone in time for Christmas. He is such a kind and thoughtful young man that put a smile on a lot of peoples faces including mine and my son's.”

Sapphire Steel’s mother in law Sue Williams made food for the homeless and knitted snowmen and Father Christmases for all 37 residents at Ridgeway House Care Home. 

The Swindon Community Notice Board Facebook page also showcased acts of kindness in the lead-up to Christmas. 

One lady received a surprise when she was given a card by a kind stranger while shopping at Asda West Swindon and discovered that the man, named Keith, had also given her £40 when she opened it. 

She said: “I was so shocked and I still am now at the kindness of a stranger.”

Another woman received a knock on the door from an elderly neighbour who had brought a present for her son because he always lets the man’s grandchildren use his football net. 

“What a lovely gesture. Thank you this really has made my day,” she said. 

Another lady says her children discovered a bag left for them when putting out food for the reindeer. When she opened it she found a box full of things like chocolate, a hat, baubles and pencils. 

Others reported that their meal had been paid for by the vehicle in front when collecting takeaway food from McDonald’s with local scaffolding firm Coles Scaffolding Contractors Ltd buying one family’s meal. 

Another person said she’d had a panic attack while in town and wanted to thank a woman who gave her a bottle of water and made sure she was okay. 

There was praise for a VCars driver who went above and beyond to help an overwhelmed parent get the present they needed for their child. 

Ladies from the Hindu Samaj provided meals for all of the families in refuge at the Swindon Domestic Abuse Support Service and provided a cheque to support activities for the children in 2022. 

Two people were giving away unwanted brand new baby and women’s clothing to anyone that might need them. 

Many people were offering extra seats at their tables on Christmas Day to anyone who might be alone, and others were offering to distribute leftover food to those in need on the day. 

Sainsbury's donated a surplus of fresh turkeys to Swindon Night Shelter who were offering them out late on Christmas Eve

The Salvation Army gave away as much free food as it could from its Old Town base on Christmas Eve as well as sending volunteers out around Swindon to distribute food in as many places as possible.

And Great Western Hospital made parking free over the Christmas period so relatives could visit loved ones in hospital without being charged.