Stourbridge youngster completes 100 tasks to support Black Country Foodbank

Annabelle, a pupil at Gig Mill Primary School at Norton, delivered 100 letters around her neighbourhood seeking help for the food bank – and was surprised when 242 items of food were left in the porch of her home and she also managed to raise £188.

Now Annabelle, of Stourbridge, a member of 3rd Norton Brownies, has also been awarded her special Charity Badge for her efforts

She said: "I decided to celebrate the extraordinary spirit of Captain Sir Tom Moore my way and help my chosen charity.

"I chose the Foodbank because I was concerned that they may have not been getting as many donations because of Covid-19.

"I delivered letters between April 30 and May 3 and will be accepting donations until the end of the month.

"The Covid pandemic has had a catastrophic effect on charities with the cancellation of thousands of events and the loss of billions in income.

"At a time when vulnerable members of society need them most, charities have had to cut services, furlough staff and some have even shut down."

Annabelle was warmly welcomed when she visited the Foodbank to deliver the donated items.

Her mother, Leanne Findon, aged 37, said: "The children learned about the challenge to complete 100 tasks for charity at school.

"Annabelle had also heard about the Foodbank during the Harvest Festival at school and decided to distribute 100 letters around the neighbourhood asking for donations of food.

"The community has really got behind her and I think she was so impressed that what she has done has made a difference."

Jen Coleman, chief executive officer for the Black Country Foodbank at Brierley Hill, said: “It was great to meet Annabelle and her family and to hear about how she has worked hard at collecting food and finances for Black Country Foodbank.

"We love meeting people who are passionate about helping their community and we are so grateful for all that she has done for the Foodbank."