Tenth Spalding Guardian Christmas Foodbank Appeal sees unsurpassed outpouring of generosity

The tenth Spalding Guardian Christmas Foodbank Appeal will go down in history as one where “the outpouring of generosity has surpassed any previous year”.

That was the verdict of Irene Davies, coordinator of Agape Care Foodbank Spalding where volunteers gave out a total of 160 Christmas food parcels, up from 105 in December 2019.

It has been the same story of overwhelming kindness across South Holland as schools, businesses and members of the public have shown unimaginable levels of goodwill to families in need.

Irene said: “The outpouring of generosity has surpassed any previous year and it’s just phenomenal.

“Every day since November people have arrived at the foodbank to donate food, toys, clothes, money or vouchers.

“So we’ve been able to give out 160 Christmas parcels, 55 more than last year, to families, the elderly, homeless and vulnerable in our community.”

Gill Rogers, of Holbeach Community Larder and Cafe, said: “We’ve had a vast increase in donations this year, which shows how generous and kind the people of Holbeach are.

“We distributed 56 hampers in 2020, compared to 28 last year, going to 197 people, with 98 children receiving at least three presents each.”

Robert Bell, chairman of Holbeach United Community Sports Academy, who donated a wealth of items to the town’s foodbank, said: “There was a massive community effort to reach out and provide for families in need, with big bundles of presents for children, a bag of gifts for parents, food hampers for families in need and food parcels for the elderly.”

Father Jonathan Sibley, vicar of St Mary’s Church, Long Sutton, where the town’s food larder is based, said: “People have been incredibly generous and we’ve provided over 200 Christmas hampers and alternative advent boxes.

“It’s been unbelievable how generous the community has been, offering toys, food and toiletries.”

Laura Beeken, of Crowland Community Larder, said: “We’ve had a phenomenal response from the town and it means a lot.”