![](https://keswickreminder.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/12737-768x1024.jpg)
Two Keswick women have spread some Christmas cheer by making and delivering 36 Christmas care boxes to elderly people in the town.
Nicola Sidney, aged 33, of Calvert Way, and Lisa Mackereth, aged 30, of Windebrowe Avenue, decided to make up the boxes after seeing a similar scheme launched in Cockermouth.
They asked for people to nominate recipients to receive the hampers as a surprise.
Lisa said: “Through all this lockdown a lot of people have been separated from their families, especially older people who have been suffering alone.
“We just wanted to put a smile on people’s faces.”
Nicola said: “Going round dropping off all 36 hampers has been emotional, we met some really nice and very overwhelmed people, each one with their own story to tell.
“We had a laugh, a smile and even some tears which made all our hard work worthwhile.”
The boxes included gifts like candles, chocolates, and Christmas cakes.
Lisa and Nicola set up a Facebook group to ask for donations. The group now has more than 250 members across Keswick.
Nicola added: “We’ve had loads and loads of donations from everyone. It was lovely to get such support from people.”
The hampers were delivered on Tuesday to more than 75 elderly people.
Figures from Age UK reveal that there are 1.4 million chronically lonely older people in England. Loneliness has a significant impact on their well-being and quality of life.
Nicola and Lisa added: “We couldn’t have done it all without the kindness and generosity of everyone who donated gifts. Well done Keswick and district.
“Thank you once again from the bottom of our hearts and we wish you all a very merry Christmas.”