A CARE home is decked out in Christmas cards, thanks to an overwhelming response to an appeal.

In December, the Journal lent its support to an festive card appeal launched by Richmond House in Rhyl; people were asked to send a greeting to residents to help lift spirits.

About 480 cards have since been received and more are still arriving.

Cards have arrived from across Wales and England and some have even been posted from places in America.

Erika Jones, activities co-ordinator for Richmond House, said: "The residents have been so grateful for every single card sent to them. We cannot believe how far the appeal reached and touched everyone with the appeal. What started off as a casual appeal has blossomed into something much bigger and heart warming.

"So far we have received 480 cards and they are still arriving. These cards have arrived from every part of Wales, across England and have even had some from Dallas [Texas].

"The kindness that people have shown towards relative strangers has been amazing and we are so grateful.

"We have even had a card from the residents from Memory Lane in Bradshaw Manor which was particularly thoughtful.”

Rhyl Journal:

Some of the cards on display. Picture: Richmond House Care Home

The care house received a donation from Sainsbury’s supermarket in Rhyl as well as a Christmas CD from their delivery driver and cards from staff.

Erika added: "We have also received numerous gifts such as 'Twiddle Mitts' lovingly knitted by a Sainsbury's staff members mother, beautiful Christmas tree handmade baubles from Nia in Llanfairfechan, biscuits, novelty headbands, a box of 'Bag of Hugs' from another Sainsbury's staff member and have even received a card from a dog.

"We have also had beautiful and very talented homemade cards from many children in the area as well as schools: Ysgol Dewi Sant, Rhyl High School Year Seven, Ysgol Cefn Meiriadog and Ysgol Emmanuel to name but a few."

"Ysgol Emmanuel also kindly performed a Christmas Carol concert virtually for the residents which they absolutely loved.”

Erika said the cards have lifted spirits and have put smiles on faces.

“The residents have benefitted so much,” Erika said.

“Although the majority of the residents have received cards from their families, everyone loves a card from a 'friend'. Even relatives of some of our residents have also got involved and sent out cards to someone other than their own relative, and past residents families have also been in touch which is lovely.

"This has been an extremely hard time for the residents in not being able to see their families and this has certainly put a smile on their faces. They cannot believe that so many people have shown so much generosity and have enjoyed reading every single card sent, in particular, the cards from the children. This has had a huge positive effect on the residents and we cannot thank people enough.

"We have tried to thank everyone but have been unable to thank everyone individually as there are just so many, but to anyone reading this, you have made a lot of people very happy this Christmas.”

The care home hope to make a keepsake out of the cards and are appealing to readers for ideas.

"To each and everyone that has been involved, thank you on behalf of Richmond House and stay safe this Christmas.

“Let's hope 2021 brings happiness for us all.”