'Here to help others' launches advent calendar appeal

Organisers of a charity drive to collect advent calendars are appealing for help to make a difference in peoples lives this festive season.

Stamford resident Marie Pears, who runs a Facebook page titled ‘Here to help others’, has launched an appeal to collect as many advent calendars as possible between now and November 23.

They will then be distributed to food banks, care services and people in need, including children and the elderly.

Marie said an 89 year-old man who was given one last year told them it was the first time in his life that he had received an advent calendar.

“Last year we collected 878 across Stamford, Bourne, Grantham and Oakham,” she said.

“This year we’re hoping to beat that figure and collect even more.”

Collection points have again been set up in towns across the region and include Nelsons butcher shops in Stamford, Bourne, Uppingham and Oakham.

“We’re also collecting at Beyond The Fringe in Stamford, Voluntary Action Rutland in Oakham and Ha Nails in Bourne, while a number of individuals are also collecting,” said Marie.

“All the details are on our Facebook page and we’d encourage people to join it.”

Marie said the calendars would be distributed locally and further afield to “whoever needs one”.

“They were all taken last year - you don’t realise it but there are a lot of people in need in our area.”

She said that she would follow up the advent calendar project with a Christmas gift appeal.

“We’re especially in need of gifts for teenagers,” she said.

Marie started the Facebook page after being asked to help collect clothing for homeless people.

“When we get a request to help, we put an appeal out on the Facebook page and people come forward offering assistance,” she said.