Residents and team members at Westgate House in Wallingford have been celebrating Harvest Festival, a now annual event in the home's calendar by coming together to support the local community and help those in need.
Over the past few weeks, residents, their families and team members have been collecting a wonderful range of donations, including food, household essentials and toiletries, to support Wallingford Food Bank. The collection is an annual tradition at Westgate House and one that is always warmly welcomed by everyone involved.
Residents particularly enjoy the opportunity to give something back to their local community, knowing that their contributions can make a real difference to individuals and families who may be finding things difficult. The generosity shown throughout the collection reflects the caring, community-minded spirit that is such an important part of life at Westgate House.
Once the donations had been gathered, residents and team members visited St Mary's Church to deliver the items. The visit was about more than dropping off the collection, however, as everyone also had the opportunity to explore the indoor market and enjoy a catch-up over a cup of coffee with friends and family.
Resident Pat said: “St Mary’s Church holds a very special place in my heart, as it’s where I got married. Coming back brought back some lovely memories, and it was wonderful to spend time there again. I also really enjoy being able to help other people, so it means a lot to be part of our Harvest Festival collection and know that the donations will make a difference to people in our local community.”
Daniela Midwinter, Home Manager at Westgate House, said: “Harvest Festival is always a special time for us, as it gives our residents and team the chance to come together and support people in our local community. Everyone has been so generous with their donations, and it is lovely to see how much residents enjoy being able to give something back.
“Visiting St Mary's Church to deliver the collection made the occasion even more meaningful, particularly for Eileen and Pat, who have such special memories of the church. It was wonderful to see everyone enjoying the visit, sharing stories and spending time together while supporting such a worthwhile cause.”
The Harvest Festival collection is a much-loved annual event at Westgate House, bringing people together through kindness, generosity and a shared desire to help others. The home is proud to play its part in supporting Wallingford Food Bank and to continue a tradition that means so much to residents and the wider community.