Hearts and Hands continuing to help those in need in Stafford
An organisation set up to help those on furlough in the run up to Christmas has continued to work into the New Year.
Hearts and Hands Stafford saw a need in the town and the surrounding villages as many self employed, furloughed people have been affected financially this last year by Covid.
Founder Katie Lowe said: “Up to now we have asked the community to support us by asking for tinned and dry food contributions and individuals gave monetary donations, with the money we buy fresh fruit and vegetables to place in the Christmas hampers as well has presents for the children, we distributed to over 100 families and individuals in the run up to Christmas.
"We were so taken aback by the amount of those in need that we decided to continue. With the announcement of the lockdown we have been inundated with people not on benefits, furloughed and self employed asking for food.
"We wish to be able to relieve some of their hardship by giving free food hampers. We also have food sites in and around Stafford where surplus food is placed outside residential homes and the food given freely to anyone in the community.
"We are getting known in the town and villages and many shops are coming forward to help either by collected donated tins or in the case of SPAR Westway by donating £50 voucher to spend in the shop, donations from Asda and some of the remaining stock from the temporary closed Marks & Spencer on the M6 Stafford Northbound site as well as working with other community groups such as the Salvation Army, Neighbourly, Fareshare, Rising Brook, CCPA, SPAR Cape Avenue, Spittlebrook, Imanis Incredible Eats, Silkmore Community Support, House of Bread and Staffordshire Baby Bank to name but a few and forging new connections each day. Our next task is to find premises that we can work and expand the services.”
The Rotary Club of Stafford Castle has donated £500 to the cause.
If you know friends or family that have been financially hit by Covid and need help email admin@heartshands.uk with details.
For more information visit heartshands.uk, facebook.com/heartshandsstafford and Twitter @HeartandH
