Meath care homes register residents to Christmas gift-giving campaign

Care Pack, the Christmas campaign, is live for 2023 with over 18,000 residents awaiting a gift.

A kindness initiative that connects residents in a nursing home, care home or other care facility to good samaritans who will send them a care package or gift over the festive season has returned this year.

338 care home facilities across 27 counties have already registered to take part in the carehome 2023 campaign. CareChoice (Knightsbridge), Beaufort House (Navan), Ratoath Manor (Ratoath), St Colmcille's (Kells) and St Joseph's Community (Trim) are among the list of Meath nursing homes who have registered to take part in this initiative.

Christmas time can be a difficult or lonely time for those placed in care. If you're looking to give back this year, look no further.

Magazines, Crosswords, Playing Cards, Lottery Scratch Cards, CDs, Arts & Crafts Kits, Toiletries, Soft Blanket, and Fluffy Socks are among the list of items that Care Pack recommend you to gift: “You can of course come up with your own ideas. Please ensure you only send new items. Handmade gifts, like knitted scarves are always welcome.”

Used or cast-off items in the care packs won't be accepted as well as hard sweets. All carepacks will be checked by nursing home staff to ensure they are suitable for that particular resident.

Supporting this campaign, An Post have revealed their initiative ‘Freepost’. An Post will ensure free delivery of all mail (under 1kg) posted to and from residents of Nursing and Care homes in the State until December 31st 2023. Freepost users must write 'FREEPOST' where the stamp should be.

Care Pack is the coming together of a great idea, a great website and two caring hearts, Geraldine Monaghan and Stephen Griffin, who wanted to make the world a less lonely place for our most senior citizens in the height of the Covid-19 Pandemic of 2020.

You can find out exactly how to send your care package through at www.carepack.ie