Emotions ride high as SSAFA Devon delivers festive cheer

20 December 2024

Volunteers from the Devon branch of SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity pulled out all the stops with their now traditional Christmas hampers for veterans and their families.
 
Now in its 16th year, the scheme takes months of detailed planning – beginning in June – to ensure a seamless service. The bulk of the scheme is sponsored by an anonymous national charity, and is supported, too, by local businesses. Honiton charity The Bastion Baton has sponsored it for 14 years, helping SSAFA Devon distribute between 60 and 100 hampers each December.

Come mid-August, and the order is placed with Greendale Farm Shop, while in September, the list of recipients is compiled – the branch working with several local veterans’ organisations to assist with the allocation and distribution.

The next weeks fly by with Greendale Farm Shop staff beavering away packing through late Autumn, and a spokesperson said: “While a challenge to keep prices down and to meet deadlines, it’s again been a great honour to again provide the hampers for the veteran community.”

Into December, and the final delivery plan is produced, usually with some additions as the days go on and as demand grows. Branch casework staff enjoy the actual delivery to the recipients from around the December 14 onwards, as this is when they really see the effect that the hamper has on the people they work with. 

One caseworker reported: “Delivered hampers today, but hadn’t expected how emotional each visit would be. Had a few tears in the car after the visits.”

The effect on SSAFA Devon’s clients can be equally moving. 

One family said: “Thank you so much for delivering the fantastic hamper this lunchtime. We are so deeply touched. John was choked with the Christmas hamper and the lovely card.

“We can’t say enough how grateful we truly are for your support and extreme kindness.”

SSAFA Devon was there for John and his family. SSAFA Devon is there for all veterans and serving personnel, and their families, providing emotional support, friendship, and advice. 

SSAFA has been doing this since 1885 because it believes that no-one in the Armed Forces family should ever battle alone.