Caring Christmas recipient with representatives of the organisations involvedChristmas parcels

In the photograph is Edgar Naylor, of West Bretton, pictured with his daughter, June Cook. He was one of 220 people in Wakefield to receive a Caring Christmas hamper delivered by Rotarians. Behind, from left, are Carol Eaton, of Age Concern, Michael Brown, of Wakefield Rotary Club, and Derek Taylor, of Wakefield Chantry Rotary Club.     Photo: Wakefield Express

THERE was festive generosity by the bagful when Wakefield's two Rotary clubs again pitched in to help the local paper's Caring Christmas campaign.

Each year the Wakefield Express appeals for goodies to fill Yuletide bags which are then delivered to deserving pensioners nominated by readers.

The annual campaign is supported by Age Concern as well as Wakefield and Wakefield Chantry Rotary Clubs.

Local supermarkets helped by placing trolleys in their stores. These were filled by generous shoppers who donated goodies for the pensioners. This year the project was given an extra boost by local schools whose pupils brought in treats.

The food was bagged up by Age Concern volunteers and then delivered by Rotarians.

Carol Eaton, of Age Concern, said: "This year (2007) has been wonderful. With the schools getting involved we've had far more donations than usual, which means every person nominated received a bumper hamper."

Michael Brown, chairman of the Wakefield club's community service committee, added: "It's been very rewarding to see how much people have really appreciated the donations."

The schools involved were

Hendal Primary School, Sandal
Lee Brigg Infant School, Altofts
Rooks Nest School, Outwood
West Bretton School
Heath View Primary School, Eastmoor
St. John Baptist School, Normanton

and our supermarket partners were

Morrisons, Dewsbury Road, Wakefield
Morrisons, Ridings Centre, Wakefield
Sainsbury's, Ings Road, Wakefield
Asda, Sandal, Wakefield

Our grateful thanks to them all.