The generous people of Glossopdale ensured much-needed support was available to those in need throughout 2021.

At the AGM, Glossopdale Foodbank Coordinator Charlotte Mendes Kelly told trustees she had been worried in the run-up to the festive season. 

“I was getting concerned over the substantial increase in families and individuals needing help from the Foodbank in the weeks before Christmas and hoping we would be able to meet people’s need,” she explained. 

“But I needn’t have worried, for food and donations soon began pouring in as once again the people of Glossopdale showed not only their generosity but also their empathy and caring for those who found themselves needing to use the Foodbank. It was done in true seasonal spirit.” 

The meeting heard that large colourful bags full of treats were donated by various groups and the Foodbank volunteers also prepared gift bags to go out with the food parcels.  

These were full of toiletries for the adults and a game and cracker for the children.  

Charlotte said: “We are conscious that although toiletries are necessities, we are not always able to include them in the food parcels. 

“So, by putting these in separate gift bags along with the children’s game, to be given out with the food, it was just a little extra cheer.” 

While Covid made 2021 a particularly difficult year both in terms of collecting and distributing food, the trustees were told that the amazing teamwork by the volunteers meant they had been able to continue to offer help to people who really needed it.  

A heartfelt thanks was expressed to all the people in the area who regularly put food in the baskets in the supermarkets and send in their donations.  

Over the Christmas period, the Foodbank distributed 194 food parcels to individuals and families, an increase of 76 on November’s total.

This meant that 4,023 meals were distributed to 447 adults and children. In addition, 221 gift bags were sent out. 

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