Call for donations of Christmas gift boxes for Isolated or Lonely Older People in south Wales

Care & Repair Cymru is urging people across south Wales to donate festive gift boxes for lonely older people this Christmas.

The charity, alongside Age Connects Wales, is asking the public to fill a wrapped shoe box with simple gifts such as gloves, hats, scarves, and books alongside traditional festive treats such as shop-bought chocolates and mince pies.

The initiative aims to bring comfort, joy, and a sense of connection to older people who may otherwise spend the festive season alone. It is estimated that 85,000 people aged 65 or over will eat Christmas dinner alone in Wales this year, according to research done by Age Cymru.

The Wales-wide appeal encourages people to fill a shoebox with thoughtful items and seasonal treats. People are encouraged to include something that can help to keep an older person warm, not just at Christmas but throughout the winter months. Scarves, hats, gloves or cozy socks are always popular warming gifts. Including a Christmas card with a warm message is also encouraged to help brighten someone’s day. However, do not include any personal details in the box or any secondhand items.

Filled boxes should be wrapped in festive paper and secured with a rubber band but not sealed shut. Gift boxes can be dropped off at designated donation stations throughout the region up until Friday 12 December 2025. All donations will be distributed to older people by Care & Repair.

Care & Repair Cymru Chief Executive Chris Jones said: “For many older people, Christmas can be a lonely time, especially if they are far from family or struggling with poor health. Yet a simple gift can make such a difference, bringing a little bit of joy and reminding others that they are not forgotten. These gift boxes are more than presents; they’re a message that someone cares.

“Last year we distributed more than 500 gift boxes to older people right across Wales thanks to the kind donations of local communities, businesses and individuals. We’re excited to distribute even more this year. We have drop-off locations right across Wales to make it easier for you to get involved and spread some festive cheer this Christmas”.

For more information on how to take part visit: www.careandrepair.org.uk/giftboxappeal email giftboxappeal@careandrepair.org.uk or call 029 2010 7580.

Let’s make sure no one feels forgotten this festive season.

Donation Drop-Off Locations

Aberdare

Age Connects Morgannwg, Cynon Linc, Seymour Street, Aberdare, CF44 7BD

Phone number: 01443 490650

Blaenau Gwent & Caerphilly

Care & Repair, Unit 1A-1B, Foxes Lane, Business Park Oakdale, Blackwood NP12 4AB

Phone number: 01495 321091

Bridgend

Care & Repair Bridgend, Avon Court, Cowbridge Road, Bridgend CF31 3SR

Phone number: 01656 646755

Cardiff

Care & Repair Cymru, Mariners House, East Moors Road, Cardiff, CF24 5TD.

Phone number: 029 2010 7580

Age Connects Cardiff and the Vale, Unit 10, Sbectrwm, Bwlch Road, Fairwater, Cardiff CF5 3EF.

Phone number: 029 2068 3600

Ferndale

Care & Repair Cwm Taf, 38-39 Duffryn Street, Ferndale, Rhondda Cynon Taf CF43 4ER

Phone number: 01443 755696

Llanelli

Care & Repair Carmarthenshire, 3 Eastgate, Llanelli, Carmarthenshire SA15 3YF

Phone number: 01554 744300

Newport

Care & Repair Newport, Exchange House, High Street, Newport NP20 1AA

Phone number: 01633 233887

Pontypool

Care & Repair Monmouthshire and Torfaen, S2, Sycamore Suite, Caerleon House, Mamhilad Park Estate, Pontypool NP4 0HZ

Phone number: 01495 745936

Age Connects Torfaen, The Widdershins Centre, East Avenue, Sebastopol, Pontypool NP4 5AB.

Phone number: 01495 769264

Swansea

Care & Repair Western Bay, Llys Tawe Complex, Players Industrial Estate, Clydach, Swansea, SA6 5BQ

Phone number: 01792 798599

Care & Repair helps older people in Wales to repair, adapt and maintain their homes.

We are a Wales-wide charitable movement, working to ensure all older people can live independently in safe, warm, and accessible homes.

Working in partnership with the NHS and local authorities, we identify older people most at risk and then step in to prevent their increasing dependency on the NHS and social care services.

We support over 40,000 households in Wales each year, preventing thousands of hospital admissions and saving the Welsh NHS over £30m annually.

We improve homes to change lives.

www.careandrepair.org.uk