The Okehampton Community Kitchen received over 300 Christmas present packages as part of its Reverse Advent campaign which was launched earlier this month.

In early December, the Community Kitchen announced it was introducing the Reverse Advent campaign to provide vulnerable Okehampton residents with Christmas gift packages and called on locals to donate parcels of up to 24 presents for an individual in need.

In the week before Christmas, the community group revealed that it had received at least 317 packages and was expecting more before the Christmas Eve deadline.

Community Kitchen manager Rebecca Green said: ‘This isn’t about feeling anything but warmth towards others in our community because we have the power to create common ground and bring ourselves together to learn from each other and love the area we live in.

‘If you have or do receive a pack then it is because someone in your community thinks you are fab and wants to make sure you are valued.’

Local organisations also put their hand towards creating Christmas present parcels. Okehampton’s Slimming World held a collection for the campaign at which members contributed food, drinks, toiletries, games, and books which were subsequently sent to the Community Kitchen.

Jacqui Reid, lead consultant at Slimming World, said she was overwhelmed by the generosity of the weight loss organisation’s members.

She added: ‘Rebecca was really happy with the donations, especially the gifts for the menfolk which she had been short of and the amazing Aran woolly hats that one of my members had knitted for the project.

‘I am so proud of my members who embraced this project wholeheartedly and we are keen to support other projects in the future. I remember my grandad always told me: “It’s nice to be nice”.’

Okehampton Primary School children also contributed by designing Christmas cards for each parcel.

Year Three teacher, Jasmine Gilkes said: ‘The children loved making them and we are hoping to bring a smile to people’s faces over the festive season.’

Gift parcels were delivered to a range of individuals and organisations including care homes, socially isolated individuals, NHS staff, local support groups and charities.

Joanna Morgan, fundraising and marketing manager at the Gilead Foundations, which has received some of the packages, said: ‘We are so grateful. Gilead houses and supports women in need throughout the year, but the loneliness of being away from family or friends at this time of year can be intensified. Gift packs really make a difference. It’s love in action. Thank you so much.’

Leila Button, coordinator of Okehampton’s Covid Support Group, which has also received parcels, added: ‘Some families have got very little but quite often they are people who have been alone for the whole [pandemic], so it’s just letting them know that the community is thinking of them.’