Prisoners and prison officers will bring some festive cheer to Jurby this week, with the distribution of 21 Christmas food hampers to elderly people living in the village.
The well-stocked yuletide boxes are a result of the fourth annual Christmas Hamper Appeal to be undertaken at the Isle of Man Prison. This year’s offering has been boosted by the inclusion of 21 morse bags filled with fresh vegetables.
Many prisoners chose to make cash donations from their own funds towards purchasing food items for the hampers, while prison officers, support staff and visitors also made generous contributions.
Additionally, Shoprite, Marks and Spencer, Bridson and Horrox and the charity Prison Works all helped to make it a record year for the annual appeal.
The appeal was co-ordinated by Deputy Governor Colin Ring who said: ‘I really hoped we could increase the number of hampers this year and thanks to the generosity of prisoners and everyone concerned we have managed to fill 21 hampers, eight more than last year.
‘I am overwhelmed by the generosity of the prison and the desire to put something back into the community. The response to this appeal has been wonderful. It has been a very worthwhile initiative and something we hope to build on in the future.’
Home Affairs Minister Juan Watterson MHK added: ‘It’s encouraging to see the prisoners joining forces with staff and support agencies in such a positive way. We are also very grateful for the generous assistance provided by local companies. The result of everybody’s efforts is that 21 families and individuals in the Jurby area will receive a welcome early Christmas gift this year.’
