MEMBERS of the Orange Order have donated hundreds of pounds worth of goods to care home staff and residents.

Packages containing toiletries, sweets and games were delivered to Renfrew Care Home, in Cockels Loan, on Saturday by the Loyal Orange Lodge (L.O.L.) District 51 Renfrew.

Alex Gibson, district master at L.O.L. District 51, told The Gazette: “As part of the community, it’s important to help out during these times.

“Many people may feel isolated, so we wanted to show that we are thinking of the elderly residents and staff in care homes at the moment.

“It was very much appreciated by the care home and I would like to thank the members involved.”

William McIlroy, district secretary at L.O.L. District 51, added: “We gave the staff a bouquet of flowers and some chocolate to try to raise their spirits, as people can often forget about the important work being done by care home staff.”

Older members of L.O.L District 51 have also benefited from care packages containing tins of food, milk and teabags during the lockdown.

Mr McIlroy said: “Most of our members are pensioners, who are in their 70s or older. In times like this, they might not have anyone chapping at their door and helping with their shopping.

“We’ve also been making regular phone calls to our elderly members to see if there’s anything they need from us, even if it’s just a chat on the phone for 20 minutes.”

L.O.L. District 51 Renfrew, which was formed in 1932, is made up of three private lodges and currently has 43 members.

Meetings at Kirklandneuk Community Centre are suspended due to the lockdown restrictions, with some members using social media to keep in contact.

Read all the latest from Renfrewshire and beyond

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