It is that harvest time of year again and the Good Shepherd are appealing for support from anyone able to help replenish the food stocks to support the community through the winter and well into next year.
Harvest is always a hugely important time for the Good Shepherd which remains hugely indebted to the support of so many individuals, businesses and faith groups to continue to deliver the food service which underpins so many different areas of the help the charity provides.
This year’s appeal is once again asking if people are able to donate non-perishable food or a financial donation via the Big Give campaign (Click here).
“We are so grateful to have so many loyal supporters who donate to us all the year around to help the homeless and vulnerable in our local community, and we need you again this year,” says Admin and Finance Manager Helen Holloway.
“Individuals, business and faith groups are so generous in their support which ensures we are able to continue to deliver our daily food service which acts as the magnet to then provide other help and assistance to those who need it most within our community.
“We set up a family food hub earlier this year which means that instead of distributing food parcels to families they are able to come in and select their food from the options available, offering them a more dignified experience and also reducing the potential for waste as they only choose items they know that they will use.
“That is working really well, and also opening up opportunities to provide families with a wider range of support, but it also means our shelves could do with being replenished and so harvest is going to be a very important time.”
Head cook Louise Hand says that with individuals, families and helping people during the first few weeks of moving into a property, the Good Shepherd is currently supporting around 230 people a week with food.
Currently stocks are high of beans, pasta and tinned soup, but any other tins or long life items will be much appreciated.
“We would be really appreciative of any support you can give us but most of all so will our individuals and families who are finding things difficult and who need the rest of us to help them get back on their feet,” added Louise.
Any donations of food can be left at the collection boxes in Sainsbury’s at Chapel Ash or on the Compton Road, the Spar shop at Compton or the Co-op in Great Wyrley.
They can also be dropped off at the centre at 63 Waterloo Road between 8.30am and 2.30pm, Monday to Friday.
For any schools or faith groups who have a food donation that needs collecting please call us on (01902) 399955 or email [email protected] and we will try and arrange for one of volunteer drivers to come and visit.
Many thanks as ever for your generosity in helping the homeless and vulnerable from across Wolverhampton.
Click here to read our Harvest newsletter.