I felt, when I read the letter from David Witt in last week’s paper, that it is more the “ba humbug” brigade who are out in force at the moment.

I am not a practising Christian, but I am someone who has tried, for the last few years, to help the volunteers at the local Samaritan’s Purse warehouse, with the work they do, especially at this time of year, when they are very busy trying to get thousands of Christmas boxes delivered on time.

I can only emphasise what has been said before, that no religious material goes into any of these boxes before they are sealed up ready for delivery. If the person who donated the box has not enclosed a greetings card then one is put in by the volunteer. These are not cards with any sort of religious theme but just greeting cards usually with a winter scene.

I have never felt pressured by the people who work there, and have only ever received friendship and unconditional good will.

Perhaps those who are so vocal in their criticism of these good people would like to meet them and lend a hand. There is always work to be done. I spend my spare time making blankets for children who have none. Others knit gloves, scarves, hats and jumpers. Most of the volunteers spend their own money on gifts to help fill the boxes, and yes, these gifts are given unconditionally.

It is not very clever to snipe at those who are doing their best, in their own time, and at some considerable cost to themselves, to help those less fortunate. A little appreciation would show a better side of human nature.

Why don’t the critics expend a little energy doing charitable work themselves, if they are not already doing so, especially at this time of year when the gap between the haves and have nots is most noticeable. Then perhaps the Scrooges might learn a bit of humility, and genuine Christmas spirit.

Mary Tucker Littlecote Road Chippenham