THE Tavistock Times is helping Rotary Club volunteers give struggling residents in the area a Christmas Day to remember.

Staff are teaming up with Rotarians to add a little extra sparkle to the day by acting as a collecting point for any presents people want to donate as part of the Christmas Treats campaign, which is being held for the second year running.

The campaign, dreamed up by Tavistock deputy mayor Ursula Mann, was organised by Tavistock Locals Help last year when the traditional Rotary Christmas lunch at the United Reform Church was shelved because of Covid-19 restrictions.

Volunteers took gifts and food to families and individuals who had been bit by the financial carnage caused by the pandemic on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

This year, the Rotary lunch is back on, but volunteers, knowing people are still facing hardship, have continued the Treats campaign, although on a slightly scaled down basis.

Rotarian and campaign organiser Graham Parker said they were still looking for small presents and called on people who could help by donating a gift to deliver their goodies to the Times’ offices in Brook Street.

Residents can do that between 9am and 12 noon on Friday (December 17).

Graham said he felt there were still people in the community who had not yet come forward for some Yuletide cheer.

He said: ‘We have a few places left for the lunch at the United Reformed Church. However, it would be great if we could have a final push for people who would like us to deliver to them at home.

‘I’ve realised that most of the people who are coming forward don’t use social media and it’s getting around only slowly by word of mouth.

‘Although I’ve got more than 30 deliveries planned already, we’ve got capacity to handle another 20-30. We’re targeting people who are alone and can’t get out of their houses on Christmas Day and people or families who are in financial hardship.

‘We’ve extended the delivery area to the villages just outside Tavistock, places like Horrabridge, Grenofen, Princetown, Mary Tavy and Lamerton — basically, places within a 10-minute drive of Tavistock.’

Volunteers will deliver a hot Christmas lunch, a small present and a Boxing Day box of goodies, all around lunchtime on Christmas Day.

Graham said: ‘The community, as they were last year, have been phenomenal in their support of this good cause. But we are asking for just a little more of their help.

‘What we do need is some small gifts just to give families a little extra on Christmas Day. If people have anything they feel they can donate, can they please drop it into the Tavistock Times office on Friday. Their gift will make a huge difference to someone.’

Tavistock Times general manager Lianne Hunt said the company was delighted when they were asked to help with the campaign.

She said: ‘We are part of the community and we are so pleased to be able to help, even in some small way. I would echo Graham’s comment that these small gifts will make a huge difference to someone.

‘The Tavistock Locals Help campaign was one of the most heart-warming stories we ran last year and we hope they can repeat that success this Christmas.’

If people would like a Christmas Day delivery or want to volunteer, they can contact Graham at [email protected] or by mobile on 07545 075942.