Over 70 charities helped by Co-op campaign

Vulnerable people across the county felt the joy of Christmas thanks to the generosity of their local communities.

Lincolnshire Co-op's Secret Santa campaign made it easy to donate to 72 charities that support local people in need, with drop-off points inside the retailer’s 101 food stores, 43 pharmacies and 13 travel branches. 

During the campaign, 2716 toiletry and sanitary products and 4562 gifts were donated to local toy and hygiene banks while 43 food banks were also supported.

A variety of donation drives were held by the co-operative's Community team, including at Lincoln City and Scunthorpe United Football Clubs on match days. Across these two events, 424 food items, 189 gifts, 1126 toiletries and £204 were given to the campaign. 

Over 100 Lincolnshire Co-op colleagues also dedicated their employer-funded volunteering hours to contribute to the campaign, include wrapping presents and accepting donations at events.

The Hygiene Hub on Ashby Ward at Lincoln County Hospital provides neurology patients with toiletries during care, and is linked to Lincolnshire Co-op's pharmacies in Skellingthorpe, Waddington, Witham St. Hughs, Cherry Willingham, Nettleham and Welton. 

Laura Whitworth, Staff Nurse said: “We all take toiletries for granted every day, but they are vital for not only our patients hygiene but also their motivation to participate in rehabilitation. 

“Thank you to everyone who has donated to the Hygiene Hub, you’ve completely transformed the care we provide for Ashby Ward patients.” 

Danielle Lowther, Lincolnshire Co-op Senior Community Co-ordinator, added: “Thanks to our incredibly generous customers, colleagues and community volunteers, many vulnerable people across our local communities felt the magic of Christmas. 

“The campaign means so much to Lincolnshire Co-op and the charities we support. We hope that with initiatives like Secret Santa, we can inspire the joy of donating not only during Christmas but all year round.”