A CHARITY fund that provides festive cheer to needy people in Poole is celebrating its 80th anniversary.

The Poole Christmas Parcels Fund was founded in 1932 by the Rotary Club of Poole with help from the Rotary Club of Bournemouth.

This year the fund has already ordered 350 packages of seasonal and luxury groceries from Co-Op in Ashley Road, Upper Parkstone to give to elderly people and families down on their luck.

The first distribution was for Christmas 1933, but because of problems with rationing, the fund delivered coal for some years during and after World War Two.

Recipients are nominated by churches, other charitable organisations, social services and doctors’ surgeries.

Parcels Fund chairman and Poole Rotarian John Duckenfield said: “I am pleased and proud that the Poole Christmas Parcels Fund is able to celebrate its 80th birthday this year, almost 80 years of giving a seasonal parcel to the residents of Poole who might need the support of the community.

“In these difficult times the continued existence of this small local charity is an achievement well worth celebrating. It aims to provide things that people who are on their uppers wouldn’t buy for themselves. At £18 a parcel, it isn’t a big gesture but it’s a gesture that Poole still cares.”

The group is now run by a small committee with help from Poole Lions, Soroptimists and Rotary, and fund supporters will be collecting money towards the cost of the parcels at Sainsbury’s Pitwines store in the town centre during December.

But the main source of money will be the Poole Rotary and Hope FM Christmas Celebration on Friday December 7.

The occasion will be the 54th annual concert with community carols and the Poole Salvation Army Band to be organised in support of the Poole Christmas Parcels Fund.

Other performers at St James’ Church in Thames Street will include Dorset Police Male Voice Choir and Cantilena. Tickets and information on 01202 767949.

Anyone with historic photographs of Poole Christmas Parcels Fund is asked to ring the same number.