A Watford-based charity that provides gift bags to keep older people warm over the winter is anticipating a major increase in demand.

Small Acts of Kindness CEO and founder Lynne Misner said people’s fears they will have to choose between food or heating this winter have been heightened due to media coverage.

The charity, which donates warm winter gift bags to people over 55 across Hertfordshire who are cold, lonely, and isolated, has already seen a rise in people contacting them for help.

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This year, they estimate they will have to deliver 8,000 bags, up from 7,000 last year.

Ms Misner said: “We know some people are making a choice between buying food or heating their homes.

“There is a lot of media coverage about how prices are going up and some people are cutting back thinking they can’t afford heating when they can.

“When we have delivered bags in the past we have gone to people’s homes, and they have been sat in the dark.

Watford Observer: The bags contain porridge and instant soup. Picture: Say it with a SmileThe bags contain porridge and instant soup. Picture: Say it with a Smile (Image: Say it with a Smile)

“It’s difficult to have a crystal ball and know exactly how many bags to make.

“But we will all feel the rise in cost of living, and it is likely to affect older people even more.

“On that basis, we decided to make more bags.”

It seems the charity’s preparation might have proved to be the right move.

Ms Misner said: “We have had nearly 6,000 requests for gift bags in two weeks.

“It gives a scary insight into what everybody is expecting winter might look like.”

Watford Observer: The bags contain a mug and a blanket. Picture: Say it with a SmileThe bags contain a mug and a blanket. Picture: Say it with a Smile (Image: Say it with a smile)

Warm winter bags include a fleece blanket, thermal hat, gloves, socks, a mug, hot drinks and information packs to help signpost people to services that might be relevant to them.

This year, the charity has also introduced porridge and instant soup.

They can be ordered by an individual or nominated by someone else.

The charity has also had to endure price increases, with their costs going up between 30 and 50 per cent.

Ms Misner said: “We are a small charity, and we rely on community support.

“People can donate or give their time and volunteer.

“We are also asking people to donate their winter fuel payment to us – but only if they don’t need it.”

For more information on the gift bags or to donate, visit https://www.smallactsofkindness.co.uk/.

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