LOCAL stores have recently shown their support for the Thurrock branch of Re-engage charity which supports lonely and vulnerable people and brings them together for social events.

Across the borough there are now nine different groups of residents supported by volunteers who organise and transport guests to events.

Co-ordinator for Group Eight is Kirsty Chambers who helped organise a meeting for residents at Tesco Extra at lakeside.

She said: "Re-engage Thurrock T8 were at Tesco Extra in Lakeside this afternoon for their monthly get together. We were joined by a few guests from T4, whom we loved getting to know.

"Tesco Community Champion, Angela, laid on a beautiful Christmas themed afternoon tea of sandwiches, cakes, sausage rolls and chips. We even had Christmas crackers, Santa hats and bingo!!!

Party time at Tesco

"Angela was helped by Sophie with the food and drinks and by Claire who was our bingo caller. Everyone went home with a prize from this very generous sponsor

"We celebrated the lovely Grace's 94th birthday

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"Lastly, a huge thank you to our wonderful volunteers- Lorraine Goldstone, Helen Barker, Rekha Gielbert, Rob and Kirsty. As always, thank you so much for all your help and kindness and all that you do for our guests."

Regional organiser Loraine Coleman added: "Angela and Tesco have supported Re-engage Thurrock for many years. Their tea parties are such a treat for our guests. The biggest thank-you to Tesco for bringing so much pleasure to both guests and volunteers. What a wonderful start to their Christmas.

"There were so many happy faces. The food was delicious, and the bingo prizes amazing. Thank you so, so much to Angela and Tesco for hosting this lovely treat for our guests.

"Thank you to Claire and Sophie for the brilliant bingo and delicious food. Thank you to all our lovely volunteers for driving and looking after our guests. What a very special, memorable afternoon. Wishing everyone a Very Happy Christmas."

Loraine and colleagues also recently visited the Co-op Store on Socketts Heath in Grays, another venue that has long-standing connections with the charity. They collected a donation of more than £2,724 from the store's community campaign.

Local good causes Re-Engage and 'Get Started Art' were delighted to recieve a donation at the Co-op on Socketts Heath.

Loraine said: "A very big Re-engage Thurrock thank you to Claire Mason and staff of Sockets Heath Co-op and all the very many customers for our wonderful donation.

"Re-engage were so very lucky to be one of two beneficiaries along with Get Started Art.

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"Co-op Staff & customers raised just under £5k during the year. This amazing donation will enable Re-engage Thurrock to continue with our free monthly tea parties, reducing isolation and loneliness, offering friendship and companionship to our elderly Thurrock Residents.

"And congratulations to Claire on receiving her 10 year service award."