SSAFA’s Santas help with hampers in Herefordshire

18 December 2024

It’s the time for giving and the time for receiving, and the time, too, to think of those who might need a bit of help.
 
Among those giving – and thinking of others – are Barbara and David Newton, helpers at the Herefordshire branch of SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity.

Barbara and David have been busy during the early part of December putting together and delivering gift hampers for veterans and their families in the county, people the charity has been helping throughout the year.

The hampers contain jams and tinned goods, tea, coffee, sugar, biscuits, and Christmas cake, pudding, and crackers. In each box, however, is also a special and personal gift for those receiving them, to make sure they know they are not alone at Christmas – nor at any other time of the year.

One of those receiving a hamper was a veteran who has been having a difficult year, and had come out of the criminal justice system. He has now turned his life around and now works helping others in trying circumstances. 

Visibly delighted to receive a hamper, he said: “Wow I wasn’t expecting this when you said you had something for me!” 

SSAFA was there for him. SSAFA is there for all veterans and serving personnel, and their families to provide 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.