Oxford Health Cares sent out it's fourth batch of care packages to staff across the Trust just before VE Day last week.  It was amazing to see over 200 boxes packed up and ready to go out - full of goodies to give a boost to the hard working staff in Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and down into Swindon, Wiltshire and Bath areas.

The boxes are all packed up and shipped out by staff and volunteers, the donations from companies and individuals are what really makes them come alive.  This week has seen a bumper amount of protein/energy bars and drinks coming in ready for the next batch of boxes - to give a real boost of energy to our teams.  As well as lollies for a sweet treat, olives to remind us all of sunny days, hand cream to soften caring hands, eye drops and gum to freshen up tired eyes and dry mouths (especially important for those using PPE), kitchen equipment for our ward kitchens and juice to bring a smile to everyone's breaks. A big thank you this week goes to:

• Olly's Olives
• Kelly's Bodylicious Shop
• Digitas Health
• DCB Homeware
• Cliff Energy Bars
• Mars Wrigley
• Eager Drinks 

For anyone thinking of making a donation, it can sometimes be hard to imagine what is most needed by those receiving the packs.  We have gathered some feedback and the overwhelming response is that they love the boxes and the variety of sweet, savoury and personal items they contain.  However, there are some things which cropped up more often and we have taken the opportunity to create a 'wishlist' on Amazon for these items.  This means that items can be purchased and donated directly to the packs rather than through making a donation to the appeal.  The wishlist can be accessed through Oxford Health Cares - wishlist.

These packs mean so much to our staff and we have been running a photo competition for teams to win a luxury hamper (courtesy of the team at Huffkins in Burford) and for one lucky member of the team - an overnight stay at the Thames Spires Hotel (generously donated by the Spires Hotel group through one of the Trust Governors).  The winning picture from the Emergency Multi-Disciplinary Unit in Abingdon really personifies the love that they feel for everyone supporting them - thank you!