People are being encouraged to donate advent calendars to spread Christmas cheer.

Cards For Good Causes, a UK multi-charity card and gift retailer, is launching a new campaign to bring advent calendars to care home residents across the country.

Residents Barchester's Marnel Lodge Care Home, off Popley Way, will benefit from the donations.

The tradition of opening an advent calendar each morning is described as a magical act that brings warmth and festive joy.

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Cards For Good Causes hopes to extend this joy to care home residents, who may not be able to celebrate with loved ones.

Christine Ansell, CEO of Cards For Good Causes, said: "Our hope is to make Christmas a little brighter for care home residents who may not be able to celebrate with loved ones.

"We are thrilled to start with these locations and look forward to expanding the initiative in years to come."

The charity is asking supporters to donate advent calendars, either online or at one of their many pop-up shops, before Monday, November 25.

These calendars will then be delivered directly to partner care homes so that residents can partake in the tradition and enjoy the festive spirit.

The charity will then deliver an advent calendar to one of the selected care homes on behalf of the donor.

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Cards For Good Causes thanked everyone for their support in spreading joy and helping to make this season extra special.

A spokesperson for Cards For Good Causes said: "We're encouraging people to donate advent calendars by November 25, which will be delivered directly to care home residents across the UK, including Barchester Marnel Lodge care home in Basingstoke."

The initiative, which is set to run annually, is expected to bring festive joy to many care home residents who are unable to celebrate the festive season with their families.

For further details on how to donate, visit the Cards For Good Causes website.