Day 55 – Sun 17 May 2020
Apart from a couple of calls for advice, a very quiet end to the eighth week.
Request for Information – Face masks. I have been informed that some residents are making face masks but are unsure of how or to whom to pass them onto. If anyone knows who is wanting and collecting face masks could you please let me know. Additionally, on behalf of the community mask makers can I please make an appeal for any elastic that measures 3 – 5 mm in width. There is currently a shortage and as such could you please have a look through your sewing boxes etc and if you have any spare that you can donate, please get in touch. Your contribution will significantly help in the essential production of face masks.
Food Bank Manager Vacancy – If you would like to take on this role, Mon – Fri (1000-1100 hrs)
or would like further information please give me a call on 07546 241940.
Take care, Stay Safe and thankyou for your continuing support – Andy
Branston Helpline and Food Bank: 07395 906220 (7 days – 0900-1800 hrs)
Food Bank: Branston All Saints Church Hall (Mon – Fri – 1000-1100 hrs)
Email: Branstonhelp@gmail.com
Day 54 – Sat 16 May 2020
Well, a much quieter day with only three routine requests being received, but of course all still important.
Request for a Food Bank Manager.
Unfortunately, I have to announce that the Food Bank Manager, Chris, is required to return to work next Wednesday.🙁 He has done a superb job every weekday over the past seven weeks, very efficiently managing all the stock and importantly ensuring that when required, often at short notice, food boxes are prepared and ready to be delivered. Additionally, the quarantining, checking of use by dates of all donations and maintaining a safe area has been essential. When, either during the opening times or more often than not when called out by me and often assisted by Julie, they have also ensured that the types of food and toiletries etc are appropriate. Depending upon the length of time to be covered; the numbers to be catered for, ages and allergies etc, the food box contents are specially selected to meet the requirement. Furthermore, Chris has been the focal point for the receipt of cash donations and has arranged the purchase of fresh items to compliment the food boxes.
I would like to say on behalf of the group, a huge thank you for your time and dedication, it has been very much appreciated especially by all the recipients.
If you would like to replace Chris in this vital role that has significantly grown and has supported residents from Lincoln to Metheringham and from Bardney to North Hykeham, or would like further information please give me a call on 07546 241940.
Take care, Stay Safe and thankyou for your continuing support – Andy
Branston Helpline and Food Bank: 07395 906220 (7 days – 0900-1800 hrs)
Food Bank: Branston All Saints Church Hall (Mon – Fri – 1000-1100 hrs)
Email: Branstonhelp@gmail.com
Day 53 – Fri 15 May 2020
Well another busy day and a third day in double figures with 12 requests for assistance being received. It seems like it was only a few days ago when I mentioned the milestone of 300 requests, now we are nudging 350, which is quite incredible. Furthermore, 2 ‘new’ residents made contact for assistance which means that we are also nudging 100 residents who are being supported.
There’s a nice little piece about the Group on the latest LRF Newsletter – not sure who submitted it ! 🤔 🤥
Have the best weekend that you can.
Take care, Stay Safe and thankyou for your continuing support – Andy
Branston Helpline and Food Bank: 07395 906220 (7 days – 0900-1800 hrs)
Food Bank: Branston All Saints Church Hall – Mon – Fri – 1000-1100 hrs
Email: Branstonhelp@gmail.com
Day 52 – Thu 14 May 2020
Another day has passed where the requests for assistance went into double figures, eleven in total. Again, some of the requests were diverse and I’d like to thank the volunteers who are always happy to do the ‘extra bit’. It certainly makes a difference to those who need help and from the feedback I’ve received it is greatly appreciated.
I’m pleased to say that as the reputation of the Group continues to grow along with the area covered, so does the number of volunteers. Today, I gladly ‘enrolled’ seven new volunteers; four from South Hykeham, two from a Branston and one from Bardney. Welcome. After a few changes this now takes the number of volunteers up to 79.
As we move forward through this pandemic there is no identifiable mid or of course end point. As such I feel that it is now a good time to look at what and how things has been achieved and look at ways to improve. To that end may I ask, if anyone has any comments or ideas as to how we could operate more effectively, please let me know.
Thank you for your continuing support – Andy
Branston Helpline and Food Bank: 07395 906220 (7 days – 0900-1800 hrs)
Food Bank: Branston All Saints Church Hall – Mon – Fri – 1000-1100 hrs
Email: Branstonhelp@gmail.com