In November, as Christmas approaches, Knighton and District Rotary Club members wanted to find a way to help those individuals in the community who are struggling to make ends meet at this time of year.
The idea of Christmas Hampers, to be donated to the Knighton and East Radnor Food Bank, was then formed.
Thanks to the efforts of the Rotary Club, as well as the generosity of the Co-op in Knighton, Tesco Stores in Ludlow and Griffiths Stores in Leintwardine, items for ten hampers were purchased and packaged up by members Angela Ellis, Sheila Smith, Kim Smith and President Margaret Thorp. These were then delivered by President Margaret to Helen Anderson of the Food Bank on Wednesday, December 3. The Rotary are pleased to report that the 10 hampers have been able to support 15 adults and 14 children, aged three months – 15 years.
President Margaret said: “As a small independent crisis food bank, the Knighton and East Radnor Food Bank rely solely on donations of basic store cupboard food, toiletries, pet food, plus baby & teen essentials, from the local community, in order to keep open.”
Helen Anderson said: “The gift of additional Christmas treats makes such a difference to those in our community who are struggling to choose between eating and heating.”
Helen added: “The friends we help do not have a voice, or put their name to letters in the newspaper, but they have contacted me to say they hadn’t dared to think of Christmas this year, and several cried, they were so overwhelmed by the generosity of the Knighton and District Rotary Club members, and the care that had been taken to gift extra special treats.”
Rotary member Angela Ellis said: “We are delighted to be in a position to support the Food Bank and the response to our Christmas Hamper donation is very moving.
“We are also happy to be in a position to help our local communities, thanks to those give to our fundraisers so selflessly. We will share more of our community-based activities very soon.”