East of England Co-op brings festive cheer to people spending Christmas alone

Team members at branches of East of England Co-op Funeral Services have been putting on their Santa hats in the community this winter. Local residents set to be alone at Christmas, vulnerable, or having suffered a particularly difficult bereavement this year, were hand-delivered a festive hamper.

Packed and chosen by the East of England Co-op, the hampers contained a range of festive food and drink from local producers, including fruit cake, steamed puddings, crisps, hot chocolate and biscuits, plus gifts such as a handy torch keyring, quiz book and an East of England Co-op store voucher. In total, 120 Hampers were gifted across the region.

“The aim is that, while some people may spend the festive season alone, we are doing something to ensure that they know that we are thinking of them,” states Lynn Warner, engagement manager for the East of England Co-op. She continues: “For some people this may be their first Christmas without a lifelong spouse or loved one, or perhaps they will be isolated due to Covid restrictions but just knowing that there are people in your community who are looking out for you, often helps. We want them to know that alone, need not be lonely.”