PASTA, instant mash and tins of vegetables were just some of the food items sent to the Vale of Evesham Christian Centre after Wychavon District Council’s staff answered the call for donations.
The idea for staff to have a week of bringing in non-perishable food items came after Caring Hands in the Vale appealed to the community for help, stressing that their stock was ‘extremely low’ due to a huge increase in referrals.
The Observer reported last month on the charity’s plea for help after a surge in demand saw 50 food parcels donated in just three weeks.
Wychavon staff are now encouraging others to do the same after a new report from Trussell Trust revealed that a worrying 13 million people live below the UK’s poverty line, with individuals going hungry everyday.
Vic Allison, Deputy Managing Director at Wychavon District Council, said: “Our staff do a lot of fund-raising throughout the year for charities and many staff also volunteer to work with local charities and organisations.
“We’re pleased to be able to help this appeal and I’m pleased our staff have been so generous, and we hope that others will do the same.”
Dianne Bennett from Caring Hands in the Vale, said: “Our foodbank is experiencing an ongoing increase in referrals, which has meant we have recently made an appeal for additional donations.
“We have been overwhelmed by the response we have received, including the wonderful array of donations from the staff at Wychavon District Council. We would like to thank them for their support and generosity, which is really appreciated.”
People can continue to donate at the Tesco on Worcester Road, TSB on Bridge Street and also the One Stop on the High Street .
Alternatively any donations can be dropped off at the Vale of Evesham Christian Centre itself.
Visit www.chands.org.uk for more information.
