Volunteers' Kindness gives dozens a special Easter treat

Kindness and Company held their annual buffet lunch in South Anston on Easter Sunday.

Formed six years ago, the community group started out by organising and providing a Christmas meal for those who might be spending the big day alone.

After branching out into further events and projects throughout the year, their original name of Crackers and Company — two key elements of their winter celebrations — was swapped for an evergreen one.

Kindness and Company, which is the brainchild of the Smith family of South Anston, is now recognised as a Community Interest Company.

Their free-to-attend Easter celebration at the village’s Methodist church hall saw all guests send home with a gift bag of Easter goodies.

Co-organiser Stephen Smith said: “Our small army of volunteers who organise and deliver the event depend on donations from the public and other groups in the community so that the whole afternoon is free to attend and transport is provided for anyone who needs it. 

“This year, we were supported by the students at Wales High and Dinnington High schools, who provided all the Easter eggs and greetings cards, South Anston Methodist Church, who allow free use of the hall and kitchen facilities, and Rotherham Round Table, who made a generous donation to help make the day special for the guests. 

“The group was also supported by dozens of local individuals with donations of buffet food, cakes, and gifts.”

Looking ahead, Kindness and Company are already planning their next two projects — a yoga and mindfulness course starting in June to support men’s mental wellbeing, and the provision of over 300 “wellbeing bags” to new Year 7 students at the area’s secondary schools in September.

Visit Kindness and Co's website to find out more about these projects and the group’s work.