Here’s how a family has turned Santa to help elderly

Suzanne has been delighted with the generosity of donors to the project, which stemmed from an idea first mooted by Amy. “She wanted to help older people who don’t have family or pals,” said Suzanne. “Amy is involved with Meltham Wildlife Centre and is a veterinary nurse. She is a very humanitarian, caring person. She is involved in charity work and wanted to do something which respects the older generation.” Although the project ‘HQ’ is in Moldgreen, there are several ‘satellite’ operations in homes across Huddersfield where presents are collected, wrapped and delivered. And there are also dozens of donors who have given brand new gifts - from socks and chocolate to soap and books. “I can’t thank every individual donor because they are so varied and some are anonymous,” says Suzanne, whose background is in marketing.

Older people should be honoured and not become invisible as they sometimes are

Shepley-based Lizzie, 29, who runs Elizabeth Gunson Dance at Lockwood, said: “The response from people has been so humbling.

“We used our own Facebook accounts to get the word out and then created the Santa’s Seniors page on Facebook.”

So far this year 200 gifts have been delivered and the project only needs a few more presents to give to 40 older ladies.

“The deadline is Thursday,” says Suzanne.

“We just need a final trickle of gifts to honour all the pledges. We ask that donations are new or newlooking. If we receive too many items we will keep them until next year.”

The Gunsons are proud of what they have achieved so far and are determined that older people are not forgotten at Christmas.

“Older people should be honoured and not become invisible as they sometimes are,” says Suzanne.

The drop-off points are: Vets4Pets at 144 New Hey Road, Oakes; Dalton Dental Care, 17 Broad Lane, Moldgreen; Wyvale Pennine Garden Centre, Shelley and Meltham Wildlife Rescue, 1 Bent House Cottage, Tinker Lane, Meltham.

Follow the project on Facebook at ‘SantasSeniors.’