The countdown to Christmas has begun as Northamptonshire Health Charity launch their annual Christmas Gifts for Patients appeal. With your help, the charity can ensure that EVERY patient in local NHS hospitals receives a present on Christmas day.

The appeal began many years ago to support those patients, mostly elderly, who have nobody which means no visitors and no gifts.  The overwhelming support from the local community and businesses means the charity usually receive enough donations to give gifts to all inpatients on Christmas day.  Typical items that are perfect for patients include toiletries, slippers and socks, dominoes, puzzle and colouring books, sweets and chocolates. For infection control they must be new, in their original packaging, and not gift wrapped. There is also an Amazon Wish List set up so if you’d prefer to donate something from the list, please visit https://www.amazon.co.uk/hz/wishlist/ls/2388BCLQ07H41 and items will be delivered directly to the charity office.

You can also make a donation via https://northamptonshirehealthcharity.enthuse.com/cf/christmas-gifts-for-patients-2022 for the team to purchase gifts for you. This has always been helpful in previous years when there has been a need to top up gifts for male patients.

You can drop your donations into the charity office at Springfield near the Main and A&E entrances to Northampton General Hospital, as well as at the Volunteers Desk at the South Entrance. At Kettering General, you can leave them with the reception at the Main Entrance or call the charity office on 01536 491569.

Trish Ribano, service manager at Welland Centre for Adult Mental Health in Kettering said, “We are so grateful for your support at Christmas.  It makes our day when all the gifts arrive for us to give out as this can a very lonely and difficult time for patients.” 

Could your team or business have a Christmas gifts donation drive for the charity and help bring some festive cheer to patients this Christmas?  For all the information visit the website at https://northamptonshirehealthcharity.co.uk/appeals/christmas-gifts-appeal/

If you have any queries you can contact the charity team by emailing greenheart@nhcf.co.uk or calling the Northampton office on 01604 626927.