TODDLER’S FRIENDLY CARDS
ZOE CORREA is writing dozens of Christmas cards to people she does not know.
The Twyford mum says she will never meet the people that her handmade cards will be sent to.
But Zoe hopes her marathon effort – aided by her 18-month old son Alfie-Jay – will bring a little festive cheer to an elderly person living alone.
She is working with the charity, Give and Take Care, which runs befriending schemes with older people across the country.
Zoe’s cards, which she signs with a personal greeting, will be delivered to the elderly living on their own in time for Christmas.
She said she was inspired to join the scheme following the death last year of her beloved Grandfather, Anthony.
“He died on November 23, just 10 days before my husband, Christopher and I were married,” she explained.
“He was such a lovely man and we were very close, Granddad was in a care home in Guildford and he became very ill the month before he died, aged, 92. I would visit him every second day along with AlfieJay.
“He and the other residents loved our visits and everyone was so fond of Alfie-Jay. After Granddad died, I continued visiting the home with my son and we were always given a wonderful welcome.
“It made me realise how lonely older people can become. When I heard about the Christmas letter writing campaign, I just had to join in.”
Zoe uses an imprint of Alfie-Jay’s foot and with her artistic skills and some craftwork, turns the image into a reindeer.
“I write a message inside the card and both Alfie-Jay and myself sign it. We don’t know to whom it will be delivered so the charity will write the person’s name.
“Many elderly people living on their own never receive anything in the mail except bills or flyers. I hope our Christmas cards will bring a little cheer to them at a time of year when being alone can be even more sad.”
Zoe says she is now planning to join a pen-pal letter writing scheme run by Give and Take Care.
“Writing a letter does not take much time but it is very personal and will bring a lot of joy to someone on their own.
“I would encourage anyone to join the Christmas card project. It might well be the best gift an elderly person receives this year.”
Zoe has launched a Facebook page about her Christmas card scheme. For further details, go to: AJMakingAStamp