Care home residents across the island are set to receive some surprise gifts this Christmas thanks to an initiative from Tynwald Mills.

The ’Gift of Giving’ is being spearheaded by Tynwald Mills’ operations director Lesley O’Neill, who explained: ’With many care home residents unable to see their loved ones who live in the UK or further afield this Christmas because of Covid-19 travel restrictions, we thought we would bring a little added seasonal joy with our Gift of Giving scheme.

’We’ve joined forces with care homes around the island and, drawing on their insight and knowledge of their clients, we’ve asked them to submit first names, ages and the type of gift their residents - especially those more isolated from their families - would like to receive this Christmas.

’In the main entrance foyer at Tynwald Mills we’ve erected a Gift of Giving Christmas tree, decorated with tags, each one of which has details of individual gift suggestions provided by the care homes.

’We’re inviting visitors to Tynwald Mills to take one of the tags and purchase the type of gift specified, up to the value of £10.

’The giver then brings the unwrapped gift back to us by no later than Saturday, December 19.

’It’s important that the present is unwrapped because we need to check its quality, appropriateness and ensure that it matches the tag details.

’We’ll then sanitise the presents, gift-wrap them and deliver them to the care homes during the week beginning December 21.

’And should any of the tree tags not be taken, we’ll supply those gifts so that no one misses out.

’Response from the care homes has been really positive - 17 have agreed to take part so far, with more promised - and we’re looking at making the Gift of Giving an annual event, maybe even expanding the scheme to other establishments, children’s homes for example.

’The gifts don’t have to be bought from Tynwald Mills. What’s far more important is that we come together as a community, support the tremendous work care home staff are doing and, through the Gift of Giving, help to make Christmas that little bit more special for some of the homes’ more isolated residents.’