Second ‘Northants Lockdown Legend’ named as organisation combating loneliness during final push to reach 2,000 Christmas hampers

An organisation of volunteers who have worked hard to help combat loneliness this year has been recognised as the second ‘Northants Lockdown Legend’.

Earth’s Lonely Angels has been providing hot meals, food hampers, wellbeing walks and more to homeless, older and vulnerable people in the community.

For the last few months, around 20 volunteers have also been working hard to source and create 2,000 Christmas hampers to be delivered to those who need them the most.With around two weeks to go, the group has a ‘final push’ to acquire 500 more hampers containing festive food, magazine and other items to lift spirits, to reach their target.

In the meantime, as part of the Chronicle & Echo’s ‘lockdown legends’ campaign, Earth’s Lonely Angels is the second nominee to be recognised after being nominated several times by readers.

One nomination reads: “The group does such amazing things to help the homeless and elderly and vulnerable people, not just in Northampton either they travel out further now.

“They never forget others no matter what.

“The lady who started it has the biggest golden heart who is wicked to talk to.

“I’ve never ever met such a friendly, loving, kind and supportive woman and she never judges your story.

“The group needs to be recognised for the amazing work they do for everyone no matter what the weather they all cook up food for the unfortunate people living on the streets and provide for whoever is in need.”

Aine Cullen, founder of the group which is currently working towards charity status, was ‘chuffed to bits’ that her organisation was nominated so many times and grateful that the hard work is being recognised.

She said: “We put a lot of hard work into this so it means a lot and it has really put a smile on my face.

“It will make all the difference and hopefully help us with our final push for the Christmas hampers.

“It has been more important than ever this year with Covid and isolation to help people manage loneliness.

“We have such empathy for those who are lonely and that’s not just older people. It can be a single mum who is struggling but too proud to ask for help.

“We are there and you don’t have to fit a certain criteria, we will help you in any way we can, whether that’s food hampers or wellbeing walks.”

As well as the Christmas hampers, the group has also organised a Santa’s grotto on December 23 for 60 disadvantaged families where children will be able to take home a number of presents, a Christmas breakfast box and fruit and vegetables.

To find out how you can donate a Christmas hamper or to learn more about the Christmas grotto, search Earth’s Lonely Angels on Facebook.

To nominate someone for the #NorthantsLockdownLegend campaign, email [email protected] with the name of the individual or group and how they have gone above and beyond to help their community throughout the pandemic.

Message from the editor:

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

In order for us to continue to provide trusted local news on this free-to-read site, I am asking you to also please purchase a copy of our newspaper.

Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the highest standards in the world. The dramatic events of 2020 are having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers and consequently the advertising that we receive. We are now more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news by buying a copy of our newspaper.

Thank you