Salem's Meals on Wheels scheme begins its gift project this week.

Salem's Meals on Wheels (MoW) scheme is preparing for its annual Holiday Gift Project.

The 22nd anniversary encourages people to donate gift bags to housebound elderly people, helping to brighten up the festive period for them.

As well as present-giving, a donor matching appeal will be run through a partnership with Salem Health & Wellness Foundation, the South Jersey Times reports.

Speaking to the paper, Peg Marshall, MoW's executive director, said that she was excited to begin the annual fundraising drive and hoped to top last year's donations.

This is to not only help more people but to combat rising operational costs, which have forced the goal amount up.

"We ask everyone to consider donating so we can continue to assist homebound seniors and make their holiday a little brighter," she told the newspaper.

The Salem Health & Wellness Foundation has agreed to match the donations, which could massively boost this year's fundraising total.

Around 160 gift bags are being prepared by volunteers and will include non-edible presents,

Each client will receive assorted items such as tissues, toilet paper, envelopes, stamps, hand and body lotions, talcum powder, combs, handkerchiefs, shaving cream, playing cards, calendars, nail clippers, picture frames, toothbrushes, placemats, crossword books, magnifying glasses and soap.

As well as a collection of items, recipients will be given cards to send to their friends and family.

Rebecca Gower Call, chair of the MoW's Board of Trustees, also told the publication: "It is inspiring to realise the community has been committed to the Holiday Gift Project for 22 consecutive years.

"It is wonderful to see expressions on the faces of our clients when they receive their gifts. For some, it is the only gift they will receive."

People keen to brighten up the Christmases of those in their community who are less fortunate can send non-edible gifts to the Salem charity drive, or alternatively start their own gift bag fundraiser.

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