Wigan pensioner spreads festive spirit for three decades

Jackie Ivory, 74, asks for donations of clothes, food and toys each year to be given to a good cause.

This year she has been overwhelmed with gifts once again and received so many that they filled her home in Aspull.

She said: “I put an appeal out. This year it’s going to families in women’s refuges. People very kindly donate toys, food and clothes for these people.

“I wrote to the supermarkets and Tesco got back to me and they have donated a lot.”

Mrs Ivory began collecting presents three decades ago in connection with St Elizabeth’s Church in Aspull and is always delighted with the response to her appeals.

Different good causes benefit from the items donated each year.

Mrs Ivory believes people have been even more willing to help this year, as more families are struggling financially due to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic and will welcome the donations this Christmas.

She said: “People have been so kind donating. Every year I panic a bit and wonder if we have enough and then someone turns up with gifts. I’m really pleased.”

The piles of clothes, food and toys were collected by Ruth Laemmel, of Safe Families UK and St Thomas’ Pantry, on Friday to be distributed to children in women’s refuges this Christmas.

Safe Families is made up of more than 4,500 volunteers from over 1,000 churches and community groups, as well as 100 members of staff, who support people in their hour of need.

Mrs Ivory hopes the gifts will make a real difference for youngsters at Christmas.

“I would like to thank people for their support year after year,” she added.

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