Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council is calling on staff and residents to help bring some much-needed warmth to local families by donating in demand items for Nuneaton Foodbank throughout December.
From Monday, 1 December, a dedicated donation point will be available in the Town Hall reception area, where people can drop off festive and in demand items. All donations will be passed to the foodbank in the new year, a time when support traditionally declines but the use of food banks remains high.
Donations do not stop at food and sanitary products however, with demand high for treats for children, such as books and other gifts. A list of urgently needed items can be found on Nuneaton Foodbank’s website.
The Council hopes that spreading the spirit of giving beyond Christmas will help support local families throughout the winter months.
Cllr Chris Watkins, Leader of Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council, said:
“Every year our community shows just how caring and generous it can be.
“The festive period is a time for giving, and even the smallest donation can make a real difference to those in need.
“By sending these items to the food bank in the New Year, we are helping ensure families can continue to receive support long after the Christmas lights come down.
“We are incredibly grateful to everyone, staff, residents, and visitors, who are able to donate to this important cause.”
Richard Fleming, Project and Operations Manager at Nuneaton Foodbank, said:
“Our Foodbank runs five days a week and all year round.
“Although we get generous donations during such periods as Harvest Festival and Christmas, we also have to spend between £600 and £800 a week from our funds to top up public donations.
“Sadly, this is what it takes to feed over 7,000 people a year, with almost half of those people being children.”
The Council has run several successful donations schemes in previous years, each time witnessing a superb response from the public and Council staff.
This year, with the cost of living pressures still affecting many households, the need for support is greater than ever.
The donations collected will help Nuneaton Foodbank continue its vital work supporting individuals and families who are facing hardship.
Donations can be made at: Nuneaton Town Hall, Coton Road, Nuneaton, CV11 5AA, during the Town Hall’s opening hours of 10:00am and 2:00pm, Monday to Friday.
Those donating are reminded to please consider the product’s shelf life to avoid items perishing before they can be used.