NHS charity’s appeal for little Christmas gifts which make a big difference

Hywel Dda Health Charities, the official charity of Hywel Dda University Health Board, has launched a Christmas appeal which gives local communities the opportunity to purchase small gifts for patients who have to spend the festive period in hospital.

 Now in its eighth year, the Give a Gift appeal enables supporters to purchase a gift from a selection of items which have been carefully chosen by the health board’s Patient Experience team. Each gift will benefit a patient admitted to or staying in hospital over the Christmas period by providing them with items to make their stay more comfortable.

The gifts chosen for this year’s Give a Gift appeal include items such as toiletries, eye masks, hair products, puzzle books and distraction items.

All three Hywel Dda counties – Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire – will benefit from the appeal, with gifts being distributed across all hospitals by the Patient Experience team.

Additionally, the proceeds from this year’s Hywel Dda Christmas Jumper Day (8th December), which invites supporters to don their favourite festive outfits and make a donation, will go towards purchasing items on the gift list.

Louise O’Connor, Assistant Director (Legal and Patient Support), said: “The Give a Gift appeal is an opportunity to do something special for those who can’t make it home for the festive season.

“To everyone who chooses to give a gift, a huge thank you for your support. Just purchasing that something small for a patient such as a toiletry item or puzzle book will make a big difference to their Christmas.”

To support the appeal and give a gift, please visit the Gift List at: https://amzn.eu/if9QL51

To take part in Christmas Jumper Day in support of the appeal, please contact the charity: fundraising.hyweldda@wales.nhs.uk / 01267 239815. A £3 donation to the appeal can be made by texting GIVEAGIFT to 70490.