Cannock opticians spreads festive cheer with donation to Acorns Children’s Hospice
A local opticians has teamed up with its local community this festive season to donate home comforts to children and families supported by a Walsall hospice.
The team at Specsavers in Cannock Shopping Centre, which is locally owned and run, donated 10 blankets and 15 teddies to Acorns Children's Hospice, with contributions from both staff and customers. The hospice offers short term respite care for parents and, in some cases, provides end of life care for children.
Team members from the Cannock store, including store directors, Jaz Dhaliwal, Claire Blandford and Meena Kumari as well as the store’s community champions Amy Pagett and Chloe Hackett also visited the local respite centre, thanks to long-standing volunteer Brenda, who helped organise the donation and shared her experiences of supporting families during their most challenging times.
"It was honestly eye-opening to see the incredible work the team at Acorns does," says Jaspreet Dhaliwal, store director at Specsavers Cannock. "The nurses took the time to speak with us, and we’re looking forward to supporting them further in the future. I’d like to thank the members of our local community that donated to this cause, it means so much.’
Michelle Kelly from Acorns Children’s Hospice adds: "We’re so grateful for the generous donations from Specsavers Cannock and their customers. Every teddy and blanket helps bring comfort to the children and families we care for, and we welcome any support from the community."
Acorns Children’s Hospice in Walsall provides specialist palliative care for babies, children and young people with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions, as well as vital support for their families. The hospice offers a home-from-home environment with tailored care, including respite stays, end-of-life care, and bereavement support. Facilities include a hydrotherapy pool, multisensory room, and play areas to help create special memories. Acorns relies on fundraising and donations to continue its work, supporting hundreds of families across the Black Country, Staffordshire and Shropshire every year.
