Age Cymru Powys is asking the public to donate festive gift boxes for lonely older people.

The charity, teaming up with Care and Repair Cymru Powys, wants people to fill a wrapped shoebox with simple gifts.

These could include gloves, hats, scarves, and books, alongside traditional festive treats such as shop-bought chocolates, mince pies, and cakes.

A Christmas card with a warm message can also be included.

After filling the shoebox, people are encouraged to wrap it in festive paper and add a label indicating whether it is suitable for a female, male, or generic.

The charity requests donors to refrain from including personal information about themselves.

The gift box should not be sealed but secured with a rubber band around the closed box.

All gift boxes should be dropped off at the nearest donation station by November 29, 2024.

These will go to older people in Powys who receive support services from the partnership and may not receive any other gifts this Christmas.

Gail Colbridge, chief executive officer of Age Cymru Powys, said: "We have a specific donation station in Newtown, and you can also drop any gift boxes at our Advice Van Community Roadshows to make it as easy as possible for you to get involved.

"As we know that the festive period can be particularly difficult for older people living alone, especially those with poor health or who have recently been bereaved.

"For many older people, your gift box will be the only present they’ll receive this Christmas, and with your gift, the festive season may be a little brighter."

The donation station is at Age Cymru Powys, Old Warehouse, Parkers Lane, Newtown, Powys, SY16 2LT, and is open from 9am to noon on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.

For more information on the Advice Van Roadshow locations, call 01686 623707 or email enquiries@acpowys.org.uk.

For more information about the campaign, visit the Age Cymru website, email giftboxappeal@agecymru.org.uk, or call 029 2043 1555.