CARING volunteers at Worcester’s Foodbank have made an early plea to people’s festive goodwill as the charity braces itself for its busiest ever Christmas.
With less than seven weeks to go until Christmas Day, foodbank is once again urging individuals, schools, churches, businesses and other organisations to support its Reverse Advent Calendar appeal.
Rather than tucking into a chocolate treat, people of all ages can mark the countdown to Christmas by putting aside an item of food in a box every day which can then be donated to foodbank.
The charity is desperate to repeat the success of last year’s appeal as it prepares for another challenging winter trying to feed the rising number of people turning to it for help.
Demand for emergency food rose by almost 20 per cent during the first six months of 2017/18, compared to the previous year, with foodbank having provided more than 2,800 three day food parcels since April, including almost 900 to feed children.
Foodbank manager Grahame Lucas, said: “It’s heart-breaking to think even more people face the prospect of going hungry this Christmas but we’re determined to help as many as we can.”
“Our Christmas appeal captured the imagination of so many people last year and helped us to provide more than 7,500 meals during December. Taking part can be a lot of fun but the end result can be life-changing for the people it helps to feed.”
About three-quarters of clients were forced to turn to foodbank for help during the first six months of the year due to benefit delays and changes or the pressure of trying to survive on a low income.
But the rise in referrals was more than matched by the generosity of foodbank’s supporters, with local people donating enough food to provide about 28,000 meals.
Visit www.worcester.foodbank.org.uk to download a calendar and shopping list.
