DONATIONS are being sought to help give 60 senior citizens in York a Christmas to remember.

Organisers of Xmas Presence are looking for a range of goodies to put in hampers to give to pensioners at the Christmas Day lunch.

This will be the third consecutive year that Xmas Presence has taken place in York, organised by Ian Donaghy, frontman of party band Huge and a champion for older people.

Working closely with York’s Age UK to identify 60 OAPs who would otherwise be home alone at Christmas, Ian and a band of up to 60 volunteers provide transport, lunch and entertainment.

The venue this year is Wentworth College at the University of York, with the kitchen team headed by Andrew Wood, head chef at the university, and Andrew Battson, of the Pig & Pastry.

Diners will be entertained by a brass band and various singers, including Ian and his daughter Annie, while magician Josh Benson will do some tricks.

Donations are coming in steadily, including a £500 voucher from Sainsbury’s and one for £200 from Boyes; Simon Baynes of Bishopthorpe Road is donating fruit and vegetables, while Riccall Carers will provide transport.

But more donations are needed to ensure every pensioner leaves with a lovely hamper of goodies.

“Anything that smells nice, makes you fat and happy!” says Ian. “So jams, chutneys, biscuits, chocolates, wine, spirits are welcome, but also puzzle books and pens. And anything that shows off the best of the city!”

The organisation isn’t a charity, so can’t accept cash donations – although vouchers are acceptable, says Ian.

Also welcome would be vouchers for the free raffle, such as a “tea for two” which would encourage people to go out and take a friend, adds Ian.

An aim of the event is to combat loneliness. Guests are seated at tables of ten alongside people in their postcode areas in the hope they might make friends.

Ian says: “They might meet someone who lives just around the corner and think: ‘why don’t we go out for a beer?’ That’s what it’s about. We are trying to stop social isolation.”

One thing which will be in each hamper is a pair of fingerless gloves. Keen crafter Doreen Parkinson has knitted 60 sets, in a variety of colours and designs – a pair for each guest.

Also needed for the Christmas lunch are sturdy chairs, with arms, which are important for people with less mobility, adds Ian.

Goods and donations can be dropped off at the following four locations: hairdressers Innovations, Boroughbridge Road, Peacock’s hair at the university, Vanilla hair and beauty in Bishopthorpe Road, and Specsavers on Ousegate.

To get in touch with the organisers, email: xmaspresenceuk@gmail.com