Dear Friends
It is probably true to say that we have each been affected by the on-going Covid19 situation in different ways; but, cautiously, we are now starting to feel reasonably confident that there is some light at the end of the tunnel, albeit a rather long tunnel. What we have found so reassuring throughout this period is the way in which so very many people have continued to support the work of the foodbank, often finding new ways in which to help and to find new challenges to encourage others to give their support. We have always felt it would be inappropriate to single-out, by name, just some of the people and organisations who give their support to this work because, to us, every donation and every source of help, whatever it happens to be, is valued and treasured and much appreciated, and to mention one means we would really need to mention thousands, and that would not be practicable. So we just want to say a heartfelt Thank you to one and all for sticking with us and providing so much help and support to the many people experiencing times of need in our local community – the difference you are making to people’s lives is sometimes amazing beyond your imagination.
And as we travel together through 2021 you may be interested to know that January 2021 was our fourth busiest month ever, but thankfully donations have kept pace with demand. We have also started a new initiative to supply occasional fresh-food deliveries to a small number of people each week, this building on the work of another local organisation which has been working with us on this for the last couple of months. Between us we are now able to continue to make these deliveries for at least the next few months. We do not have facilities for storing fresh-food; it is shopped-for and delivered on a bespoke basis and is in addition to our normal long-life food provision. We are conscious that we are not able to provide this to everyone but nonetheless are hoping to be able to provide the benefits of a more varied diet to at least some households, especially those which include young children. We are thankful to the folk who have volunteered to help in this new aspect of our work and who have joined with the many volunteers helping collect donations, make deliveries, keep our warehouse operating and looking after some of the necessary admin tasks, etc. – we may be a motley crew but our desire is to help make that necessary connection between people who want to help others and the folk who need the help – it seems to work!
So where does that lead us – as far as this update is concerned it leads me to mention that our latest “most wanted” list is available and included below and on the attached poster – don’t be alarmed that the poster looks like it is for February and March – we do plan to send round another update next month as well.
As always – thank you for your continued support, and do please feel free to circulate / forward / share / distribute the contents of this post. And don’t forget – if you have any questions you want answered, please send me an e-mail about it and I will try to answer in the next week or so.
With kindest regards and every best wish – keep safe and keep well.
Jonathan and of the Dover Foodbank team