Generous employees and elected members of Durham County Council have donated thousands of items to local foodbanks as the Festive Season approaches.

As well as normal foodstuffs and groceries, council staff have been donating Christmassy items such as crackers and Christmas puddings.

The items were given as part of a scheme which asks council employees to make one extra purchase during their weekly shop to donate to those in need.

The donations will be made up into Christmas hampers by local foodbanks and given to people facing crisis.

The hampers will be distributed to families and individuals along with their usual parcels containing everyday essentials.

During November 2019, generous locals have donated enough food to provide hundreds of meals for struggling people in County Durham this Christmas.

The food collected by council staff has been passed to the County Durham Foodbank; East Durham Trust FEED project; the council’s family centres; Woodhouse Close Church Community Centre; Weardale Foodbank; PACT House, Stanley; Junction 7, Newton Aycliffe; and The Salvation Army, Crook.

This is the third year in a row that council staff have run their Christmas food appeal. This year, people were asked specifically to donate advent calendars, to bring a little joy into the lives of poor children.

Over 700 advent calendars were given as part of the scheme.

Some of Durham County Council’s suppliers also gave food and cash as part of the appeal. The companies involved include Park Electricals, MGL/Raintons, Premier Traffic Management, Lloyds Bank, Hogarth Coachworks, Kier, Thomas Owen Clothing, Freemans Butchers and Wyn Construction.

Durham County Council’s cabinet member for social inclusion, Cllr Angela Surtees, said, “Our staff and elected members have a fantastic history of supporting local charities all-year-round, but particularly in the run-up to Christmas.”

“Often people take luxury items for granted at this time of year, but by donating an extra treat alongside the usual food cupboard staples, people can make a big difference to people in our community and help families who are having a difficult time to enjoy some normality on Christmas Day.”

As well as the special Christmas appeal, employees and elected representatives from the council contribute items to foodbanks throughout the year.

(The featured image shows council staff with some of the items donated to the Christmas appeal.)


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DavidSunderland
David writes about local news, thought provoking stories, and yearns to capture the community spirit with a unique writing style.

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