A Stafforsdshire-based care-worker has shown the true spirt of Christmas after using her prize winnings to bring warmth and festive cheer to the old and vulnerable.

Theresa Summerfield, 35, who works as a care co-ordinator at the Wentworth Community Care in Brewood in Staffordshire, entered the Park Christmas Savings’ ‘Park’s Giving’ annual festive prize draw and won the main prize of £500 worth of vouchers.

But rather than spend her winnings on herself, Theresa, along with colleagues at the care centre, have set up a team effort to make winter warmer hampers for the elderly and vulnerable in the community.

The mum-of-two who lives in Penkridge, South Staffordshire, says: “I entered on the off-chance and was so surprised when I got the call to say I had won. As soon as I was told I’d won I knew what a huge difference the £500 would make to the hamper efforts. This win was not one for myself, or the company I work for; it’s for those who are most vulnerable over the festive period.

She adds: “Every penny will go directly to those who need help most. My colleagues and I know that winter can be especially tough for vulnerable elderly individuals, particularly with recent cuts to winter fuel payments in the UK. So, to lend a helping hand, we’re making up and giving away Winter Warmer Hampers filled with essential items to help keep people warm and comfortable during the colder months.”

A true ‘Festive Friend’ – Theresa spent her £500 Park Christmas Savings prize on the needy

Theresa has now spent the £500 of vouchers at her local Sainsburys on soups, thermal socks, hot chocolate, fleece tops, tea bags, hot water bottles and thermos flasks. Together with colleagues, she has packed the items into festively decorated hamper packs.

She says: “We included some mince-pies and treats too, so that whichever needy person gets ones also has something to bring them some cheer as well as a hearty meal and something to keep them warm. Thanks to Park Christmas Savings, we are going to make many people’s Christmas a much happier and warmer one this year. ”

Katherine Scott, director of marketing at Park Christmas Savings said: “Friendship and goodwill is at the heart of Park Christmas Savings and Theresa and the staff at Wentworth Community Care are a wonderful example to us all as to what Christmas is really about – kindness, connection and generosity.”

In further festive cheer, as part of Park’s Festive Friends campaign, Park is offering £10 to anyone who signs up to their Refer a Friend programme. Friends get £10 too and the deal is available to new and present Park customers.

Find out more here: https://www.getpark.co.uk/budgeting/easysignup

You can watch Theresa make her supermarket sweep of the Winter Warmer Hamper items here at the Wentworth Community Care Facebook page: https://fb.watch/wxhRN8U5nn/