Member Article

My Property Box staff dress down to support Age UK’s Christmas shoebox appeal

My Property Box staff have donated a sleigh-full of Christmas gifts to be distributed to the elderly.

They raised £200 to buy an array of presents as part of Age UK North Yorkshire and Darlington’s shoebox appeal to show elderly people – many of whom will face the festive period alone – that someone cares.

The team at the Darlington-based lettings agent raised the cash by donating £1 for each Friday they wished to dress casually for work

Staff also went out and bought additional presents to ensure as many people as possible will receive gifts.

An array of items – including chocolates, shortbread, sweets, biscuits, socks, scarves, hats, slippers, toiletries, and hot water bottles – were placed in beautifully-wrapped boxes and handed over to the independent charity at their nearby headquarters.

These will be distributed to elderly people throughout Darlington, Richmondshire and Hambleton.

The My Property Box staff unanimously agreed to support the shoebox appeal after being moved by the independent charity’s appeal on social media.

Ben Quaintrell, founder and managing director of My Property Box, said: “This has been a challenging year for many people, but this is a great opportunity to show the elderly in our community, many of whom may feel isolated or lonely, that we are thinking of them at what can often be a difficult time.

“My colleagues wanted to do something positive by supporting this initiative as we know many elderly people are having less social contact than they might otherwise, due to the pandemic. We hope this gesture succeeds in spreading a little cheer.”

Sharon Vasey, the charity’s befriending co-ordinator, said: “We wish to thank Ben and the My Property Box team for their kind donations as well as the many other businesses, organisations and individuals who have all supported our appeal. Their many kindnesses will make a difference.”

Age UK North Yorkshire and Darlington offer a wide range of services, activities events and support groups designed to promote the health and well-being of the over 50s.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by News Gathering .