Church makes up and delivers hampers for free

The initiative was suggested during a meeting of the church’s Pilot community programme and community coordinator Chrissy Salmon said that it had been planned originally to hold an event at Easter, which was cancelled due to the coronavirus outbreak.

‘The Pilot scheme is there to meet the needs of the community and this seemed like a bigger need at this time,’ said Mrs Salmon.

Free hampers are available to anyone who is struggling to get hold of the basics, such as vulnerable people or those with families who find it hard to get to the shop and do not have anyone available to help them.

‘We’ve been running a food bank all year anyway so we’ve got used to what people need throughout the week,’ she said.

At first the hampers were being delivered daily, said Mrs Salmon, but in light of the lockdown they were now being delivered on Tuesdays and Fridays.

So far about 30 people have taken up the offer, and she said that if they find they are in need again they can always ask for another.

Food has been purchased using donations from church members and other people, and it has also been provided free of charge.

‘The Dairy has brought in 50 packets of butter for us,’ said Mrs Salmon, while the kiosk at the Model Yacht Pond had donated bags of crisps that it would not be able to sell.

n People can still apply via the website form at https://bit.ly/3btn0R8 or by calling 07781 102506.