Families facing a cold and hungry Christmas have been urged to turn to Bishop’s Stortford Food Bank.
The charity based at the Methodist Church in South Street has been boosted by record-breaking donations as the festive season approaches and is eager to support all those in need as the cost-of-living crisis bites.
Chairman of trustees Bill Macdonald had a simple message: “This is a really busy time of year for the food bank as we have to cope with increased demand during the winter months – both for food items and for help with electricity – while working with all our supporters to bring in the extra food and money that keeps the show on the road.”
He said he had been “knocked out” by the generosity shown by the community to those less fortunate. “The food just keeps flowing in – we sometimes struggle to empty the supermarket boxes fast enough!” said Bill.
“I do have one worry, though, and that is about whether everyone that needs our help is actually getting the food and fuel help they need. I suspect some people aren’t sure how to get help and that others wrongly believe we don’t have enough to go around.
“My big message to everyone is: we are here and ready to help anyone in need. So, please spread the word, and if you come across anyone in need make sure you point them in our direction.”
To find out more, email enquiries@bishopsstortfordfoodbank.com or visit the food bank’s website at https://www.bishopsstortfordfoodbank.com.
The charity’s Reverse Advent Calendar initiative resulted in 15 trolleys groaning with groceries being collected at Jackson Square, where a host of other fundraising activities has been taking place.
Bill said: “What’s more, the amount of food we’ve received from our Christmas collections at Tesco has broken all previous records.”
The charity’s Amazon wish list, where people can buy items online and have them delivered to the food bank, has also been well supported.
Bill said: “All charities need money to function, and again the way people are coming forward, in a difficult economic environment, to donate their hard-earned cash is really humbling.
“This includes businesses, churches and individuals – some giving big sums, people donating their fuel allowances to help others with gas and electricity payments, or just digging out change from their pockets like at our recent collection at the Bishop’s Stortford rugby club fireworks display. It’s awesome to see how this community gives what it can to help those in poverty in our area.”
Bill also paid tribute to the team of volunteers who make the food bank function. Each week at least 10 more people come forward to help.
“Although we look forward to a time when food banks are no longer needed in our prosperous county, realistically we know that’s going to be some way off,” he said.
“In the meantime, I must say that I am proud of the way the community has stepped up to the challenge. It just shows what can be done when we all pull together.”
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