TWO young women from County Durham have been praised for giving up their time over Christmas to prepare dinners and presents for those isolated and alone. Courtney Ashe and Paula Palmer volunteered through Durham County Council at PACT House in Stanley, a one-stop shop for local people looking for practical and emotional support. The duo are among a team of volunteers who cook and serve free meals for members of the local community every Wednesday; through the council’s DurhamWorks programme, which helps 16 to 24 year olds from the county to find education, employment or training. They have been involved in DurhamWorks’ Plan 4 Life programme, which offers training in a number of skill areas which support employment.
A YOUNG girl from County Durham has been raising money to help spread Christmas cheer among families in her area. Seven-year-old Kelsie King, from Bishop Auckland, was worried that Santa would not be able to deliver presents this year due to the Coronavirus pandemic. However, after hearing about the Christmas Eve jingle – an online movement where people will be ringing bells on their doorstep on 24 December to help Santa find his way – Kelsie wanted to make sure that as many children could take part as possible. During the October half term holidays Kelsie set up a stall to sell sweets and traybakes. Her efforts raised around £70 which she used to buy as many Christmas bells as she could.
A GROUP of festive elves have taken a day off helping Santa to clean up a village green. Residents of Hunwick village were joined by Santa and his elves as they cleaned up the village green and surrounding areas. The village has suffered with a spate of fly-tipping in recent weeks. The residents cleaned up bin bags and boxes that had been left down the country lanes. The clean up took place on Sunday December, 13 by 26 volunteers. Christine Ebdone of Hunwick Community Social and Environmental Group said: “It was another great event and so encouraging when residents are willing to give up their time and are interested in the environment and making the village a prettier, cleaner place for everyone to live.”
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