South Tyneside's longest-running foodbank has launched an urgent appeal for donations to help struggling families this Christmas.
Key to Life Foodbank, in South Shields, is in need of festive food, toys, and gifts to brighten the festive season for those struggling to put food on the table this year.
It comes as the foodbank expects to see a spike in demand over Christmas because of the cost of living crisis.
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Jo Benham Brown, business development and communities manager at Key, said: “With many households now in desperate hardship, suffering from the biggest cuts in living standards in forty years, amid escalating food and fuel bills, alongside rising taxes and interest rates, we’re anticipating more people than ever to turn to our foodbank this Christmas."
Key to Life Foodbank, a partnership between youth homeless charity Key and Churches Together South Tyneside, is asking the public to donate new and unwrapped toys and gifts, and vouchers for older children. It is also appealing for donations of Christmas food to complement its emergency food parcels.
Jo Benham Brown continued: “Unfortunately, even we aren’t immune to this crisis, with rising costs of our own at Key to Life. The worsening situation is leading to a drop in donations which means diminishing stocks at a time of unprecedented demand when many more people are needing to use a foodbank for the very first time.
“We know times are tough for everyone but please spare a thought, and whatever you can, for someone in need close to home this year.”
Donations can be dropped off at the Key to Life Foodbank, located inside Boldon Lane Library, from Monday, November 21, until Friday, December 9, between 10am to 4pm.
To donate online visit: keycommunity.org.uk/donate To text a donation text the amount and XMAS to 70580 e.g. 5XMAS to 70580 to donate £5
Families with children aged 16 and under who would like to benefit from the appeal can fill in an online application form, which must be submitted before 3pm on Thursday, December 8. Gifts will be allocated no earlier than Tuesday, December 13, and must be collected from Key to Life. To apply, click here.
To volunteer at the foodbank, send a message to the Key to Life Facebook page or call 07833 613 393.
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