‘Serial volunteer’ bags 100 Christmas hampers for those who most need them

A ‘serial volunteer’ has helped to supply 100 Christmas hampers to people in need.
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Caroline Wagstaff is a former teaching assistant who is now a full-time carer for her husband and son. But she is also a long-time volunteer for various organisations and causes across South Tyneside, working with schools, businesses, council schemes and foodbanks.

When the first lockdown began in March she contacted baking giants Warburtons, who agreed to give her 60 loaves each Monday to distribute around the town. She collects them herself from Newcastle every week. But that is just one of the things Caroline does.

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For Christmas she has teamed up with another good Samaritan, Nico Ali, who runs the Premier shop on Edinburgh Road in Jarrow’s Scotch Estate and does an enormous amount for the local community.

Volunteer Caroline Wagstaff, centre, with Eileen Charlton, manager of Frank Bushell House and Nico Ali.Volunteer Caroline Wagstaff, centre, with Eileen Charlton, manager of Frank Bushell House and Nico Ali.
Volunteer Caroline Wagstaff, centre, with Eileen Charlton, manager of Frank Bushell House and Nico Ali.

Their efforts resulted in the collection of food which was then packed up into hampers and handed out around Jarrow’s care homes.

A number of donations were also made to Frank Bushell House in Harton, which offers sheltered accommodation. Caroline’s parents lived there for a time.

She has also hung bags of goodies on doors, before tip-toeing away before she could be seen.

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Caroline said: “I rang all my contacts to see what could be done. Nico is always doing stuff for the community and I wanted to help. I was asked if I could do some hampers.

Caroline Wagstaff with fellow community legend Nico Ali.Caroline Wagstaff with fellow community legend Nico Ali.
Caroline Wagstaff with fellow community legend Nico Ali.

“I got the stuff from different sources, like Morrison’s in Jarrow and corner shops too. I didn’t realise how generous people could be in the North East.

“I’m just pleased to have done it. It was more overwhelming this time. There have been more tears with the stuff we’ve done during covid. I just feel humbled to have done it.”

Caroline would like to thank Mark Pattison at Morrison’s, plus a few other people who would prefer to stay anonymous.

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Nico Ali, right, with the Jarrow Lasses under-12s, outside his Edinburgh Road shop.Nico Ali, right, with the Jarrow Lasses under-12s, outside his Edinburgh Road shop.
Nico Ali, right, with the Jarrow Lasses under-12s, outside his Edinburgh Road shop.

He has also given Jarrow Lasses under-12s football team a merrier Christmas by providing them with a few festive goodies.

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