Two decades of spreading festive cheer is being celebrated by a Ramsbottom paper mill that is giving back to the community to make a difference.
Volunteers at Essity Stubbins Paper Mill have visited more than 80 homes, charities, community groups, and emergency service providers this December as they mark Essity's 20th anniversary of Christmas community giving.
Spearheaded by Susan Harker, quality and environment manager at Stubbins Mill, accompanied by colleagues Harvey McMullin, Lois Booth, Harry Hickson and Heather Mitchell, the charity scheme has become a cherished tradition in the town.
Hundreds of donations have been given to key workers, families, and vulnerable people in the community, recent recipients include Ramsbottom Fire Station, the Christ Church and Neighbourhood Centre, Ashton Lodge, and the Great Eaves Road Estate.
The team has delivered gift packs containing everyday essential hygiene products, including toilet rolls, kitchen towels, and a heartfelt Christmas card to key locations in Ramsbottom.
Susan said: “We began our Christmas giving gesture by making Christmas gift packs containing surplus Essity products twenty years ago to support our local senior citizen community with basic household essentials when Ramsbottom experiences difficult winter weather conditions.
“We received great feedback and praise door-to-door, along with many thankyou cards and phone messages.
“The following December we agreed to do the stock drop again, and from there the tradition has continued and we have also extended it to help more people.
“All our volunteers enjoy taking part, it is full of positivity and feels great to give something back to our community and make a difference.”
The team is also seeking to help the residents of Ramsbottom and surrounding areas recycle their leftover paper from Christmas.
Essity is inviting people to bring their wastepaper and cardboard to Stubbins Mill for three days during the Christmas period, Wednesday, December 27, to Friday, December 29, between 9am and 2pm.
Susan added: "Our ongoing commitment involves finding ways to bolster the local community and uphold environmental stewardship.
“Recognising the significant volume of wastepaper and card generated during this season, the mill is well-positioned to contribute by providing an additional recycling service to the local community."
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