Lions Bring Christmas Cheer With Food Parcels

Henley Lions packed up and delivered 90 Christmas parcels  for Henley residents who are elderly and alone, single parents with young children and families who are finding it hard to cope.

The packing of the food bought from Waitrose and the mince pies from Tesco took place last Saturday morning at the Henley YMCA pavilion in Lawson Road. Henley Lions have been involved with parcels for at least 30 years. The parcels were originally funded by the town Community Services Committee, packed by the Townswomen’s Guild and delivered by Henley Lions Club. This year was the 17th consecutive year that Henley Lions have done the entire thing as the town Community Services Committee and Townswomen’s Guild no longer exist.

Pam Pitts from Henley Lions said, “We liaise with the Henley surgeries and Citizens Advice for referrals and also support The Chiltern Centre, Sue Ryder Home and Henley YMCA.   Parcels are made up of basic store cupboard items, fresh fruit and cheese plus a few Christmas treats and we buy everything from local supermarkets. Goods are delivered to the YMCA hall and a group of Lions volunteers spend a few hours sorting and packing. Recipients are generally very grateful and we often have letters of thanks. On occasion we have had parcels returned or refused as the recipient feels that there are others more needy.”