AN Easter egg appeal is set to benefit local foodbanks, care homes and children at Derriford Hospital.

The appeal, launched last week by organisation Community Smiles, is seeking donations of Easter eggs in East Cornwall and West Devon.

The people behind Community Smiles recently helped to collect shoeboxes and other donations for the homeless as part of a Christmas collection for a larger programme. Many of these donations went to local foodbanks, which prompted them to think what they could do on a more local level.

A representative of the organisation said: “We decided to set up our own organisation, called Community Smiles. We just want to put a few smiles on people’s faces in the area.”

As well as Launceston, Callington, Saltash and Tavistock Foodbanks, the appeal aims to distribute Easter eggs to Derriford Hospital’s children wards and local care homes.

The representative added: “Just because you are old doesn’t mean you don’t like an egg!

“Basically, we want to raise a smile in the community and bring back the community spirit of helping other people.

“We are also looking for dairy-free Easter eggs — we don’t want anybody to miss out.”

Drop off any Easter eggs by February 29 at the following collection points:

n Launceston — Smiley Happy People: Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm.

n Callington — Inspired By Nature, Pilgrims Arcade: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 9am to 4pm and Wednesday 11.30am to 4pm.

n Saltash — Maitlands Estate Agents, Fore Street: Monday to Friday 8:30am to 6pm and Saturday 9amto 4pm.

n Tavistock — Ickle Cloud, Paddons Row: Monday to Friday 10am to 3pm and Saturday 10am to 3pm.

The eggs will then be distributed in early March.

A company has already contacted Community Smiles to offer help in collecting and distributing the eggs, free of charge, and the organisation is keen to hear from anyone else who may wish to offer a helping hand. It would also welcome further collection points for the eggs.

The organisation also hopes to hold further appeals in the future and would welcome contact from anyone who may be interested in helping out with a future appeal.

For more information search ‘Community Smiles’ on Facebook or email [email protected]