Honiton community shines as bright as Rudolph's nose this Christmas

If we have learnt anything over the past year, it is that community matters. Turns out we are pretty reliant on our little town and its residents when a crisis hits.

Covid-19 has turned lives upside down. In a relatively short space of time we have become accustomed to rules and restrictions not seen in a lifetime. On top of that, there has been a dramatic increase in unemployment, poverty, mental health issues and loneliness.

However, it's not all negative. Through the adversity we have seen the Honiton community come together and triumph in more ways than one.

Operation Rudolph Honiton

Take Operation Rudolph for example. A covert Christmas mission that wants to ensure every household in Honiton gets its share of the festive feels.

Organised completely anonymously by a group of individuals and charities, the aim is to provide gifts and support to members of the community who may be dreading Christmas and not being able to provide for themselves, or their family.

Operation Rudolph has been set up to help relieve some of that strain and to bring back the excitement of Christmas Day, for everyone.

Rudolph has this message for the people of Honiton: "No one wants to see people suffer on what is supposed to be a magical day.

"Christmas is a time for families to share laughter, love and the classic board-game argument. A time to deliver a feast for the few, that could feed a nation!

"Please don't suffer in silence. We have all been affected by the current circumstances and we are here to help each other.

How you can get involved

Do you have items suitable for Christmas presents that you are willing to donate?

Ideally toys and gifts suitable for children from toddlers through to teenagers, but thoughtful items for adults are also required! The joy of receiving a Christmas gift is timeless.

Email Operation Rudolph - [email protected] - to arrange doorstep collection.

Items should be bagged and labelled appropriately and any surplus items will be donated to the NSPCC.