SHARING a smile with those in need, the Community Smiles group collected and distributed more Easter eggs than they had initially hoped for.

The last of the 350 Easter eggs collected by the Community Smiles group were distributed to Derriford Hospital’s children wards and Devonport Homeless Shelter on Wednesday, March 16.

Donations of eggs were also made to a number of foodbanks and care homes.

Setting out with a target of collecting 200 eggs the Community Smiles group were amazed when they exceeded this target by 150 eggs.

A representative of the organisation said: “It went really, really well. We were quite surprised to receive 350 eggs.

“We had only set out with an aim of collecting 200 eggs, which we would have been more than happy with, but it was fantastic to receive such an incredible amount of eggs.

“It was all sorted out in our minds how we would split the 200 eggs between the groups, however, because we collected so many extra we were able to donate some to the Devonport Homeless Shelter, which was amazing.”

The donations were made possible by the help of Logisthicks who donated their time free of charge to help get the last two largest donations out to Derriford Children’s Wards and Devonport Homeless Shelter.

Thanks were also extended to those who helped in setting up ‘collection points’ for the public to donate and drop off their Easter egg contributions.

Those included: Smiley Happy People in Launceston, Inspired By Nature in Callington, Maitlands Estate Agents in Saltash and Ickle Cloud in Tavistock.

The eggs were split between the groups and delivered, however, due to the large amount of donations made, there was an excess amount so the Community Smiles group decided to add one more charitable cause to their list, sending the remaining eggs to Devonport Homeless Shelter.

The eggs were distributed to the following places:

• 30 eggs to Launceston Food Bank;

• 20 eggs to Callington Food Bank;

• 30 eggs to Saltash Food Bank;

• 20 eggs to Tavistock Food Bank;

• 30 eggs to St Theresa Care Home in Callington;

• 18 eggs to Appleby Care Home in Callington;

• 122 eggs and five chocolate bunnies to Derriford Children’s Wards.

The remaining 80 eggs to Devonport Homeless Shelter.

The total amount of eggs collected and donated came to 350.

Community Smiles will be running a new appeal during the run up to Christmas with more details to be given in September.

If anyone would like more information or to become actively involved in the Community Smiles appeals or if any businesses feel they could support the group get in touch by searching for ‘Community Smiles’ on Facebook or email [email protected]