VOLUNTEERS have been busy ensuring families in need do not go without this Christmas.
Warwick and Leamington Foodbank will be handing out parcels over the festive period to local families who struggle to make ends meet.
Foodbank operations manager Andy Bower told The Observer the support they had received from companies and individuals had been “fantastic”.
He said: “I would like to thank everyone for their generous donations, companies such as Volvo, Baxi and Jaguar Land Rover, to Warwickshire College who recently donated 178 kg of food, to the lady who I have just picked up a large parcel from.
“Our stalwart volunteers have also been incredible – without them we would not be able to do what we do.”
And parishioners from St Peter Apostle Church in Leamington have also been working hard to ensure families in need can enjoy Christmas.
The volunteers have donated many hours of their time in the run up to Christmas, including an appeal to shoppers at Tesco for donations to Warwick and Leamington Foodbank – and thanks to their generosity volunteers were able to put together 55 food parcels.
They also delivered chocolates and Christmas cards to over 80 housebound parishioners.
And since the beginning of October, parents and children at St Peter’s Catholic Primary School have been donating toys and books to the Christmas appeal. Volunteers spent a weekend wrapping and packing toys for 90 youngsters.
St Peter parish priest Father John Cross said they had received many generous donations, including from staff at the Calor Gas head office in Leamington.
He added: “It has been a joy to see the range of people who have helped with the Christmas appeals this year and everyone who has been involved is looking forward to getting together again next Christmas.”
Warwick and Leamington Foodbank – which operates from centres in Leamington, Warwick, Whitnash and Lillington – will only be closed on Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
The foodbank is always keen to welcome new volunteers and to receive donations. Visit warwickandleamington.foodbank.org.uk for further details.
St Peter Apostle Church works under the umbrella of the parish charity SPAN (St Peter’s Aid for the Needy). Visit www.stpetersleamington.org/span.php for further information.
Warwick and Leamington Foodbank operations manager Andy Bower thanked everyone for their “fantastic” support, and volunteers such as Nikki Wilkinson (pictured) for their “incredible” efforts. (s)
Foodbank volunteers Sandra Middleton, David Crook,and operations manager Andy Bower welcome Leamington Mayor Judith Clarke. Picture by Jon Mullis 06.014.015.leam.jm1 (www.buyphotos247.com)
