Presents needed for long-distance drivers away from home on Christmas Day in Northampton

Presents and treats are needed for the owners of a Northampton lorry firm to hand out to long-distance drivers away from home on Christmas Day

NN1 Personnel directors Damian and Justyna Sodel and their son, Alexander, donated gifts and food to dozens of lorry drivers at the Red Lion Truck Stop on December 25 last year.

The couple want to repeat the gesture but need help from the community to reach even more drivers at other roadside services and lay-bys around the town.

Justyna said: “Last year we didn’t ask for any donations. We donated all the gifts and gave out homemade cakes.

“We hope that with the support of businesses and individuals in the area we’ll be able to hand out many more gifts to any drivers we find at the Red Lion Truck Stop and potentially to other drivers at other motorway services in Northampton on Christmas Day.

“We’d also be pleased to hear from anyone who wants to help deliver gifts to drivers on Christmas Day – obviously this would be organised with any Covid-19 restrictions regarding gatherings in mind.”

Donations should be items drivers might find handy on the road such as toiletries and anti-bacterial hand gel as well as non-perishable food, treats and drinks.

While Christmas Day is just another day at work for the long-distance lorry drivers, it can be emotional and isolating as they may not be able to see their families, according to Justyna.

The Wellingborough Road temporary driver recruitment agency owner added: "Many of our own drivers were in this position, unable to get back to their families over Christmas before they joined NN1 Personnel.

“This year has been particularly challenging for all of us, however, it’s been wonderful to see HGV drivers recognised as key workers.

"These same drivers will continue to work throughout the Christmas period to make sure we can all get food and presents at the shops.

"Delivering unexpected gifts to them on Christmas Day is a small way that we can show our appreciation and gratitude.”

Donations can be dropped off at NN1 Personnel's office at Suite 58, Burlington House East Wing, 369 Wellingborough Road, Northampton by December 18.

For more information or to arrange for donations to be collected, email [email protected].