WESTBURY Area Network (WAN), the team behind the local food bank, have started 2023 by issuing a heartfelt ‘thank you’ to all those individuals, businesses and community groups who have donated so generously – both during the festive season and throughout the year.
During December alone, the food bank received almost double the level of donations compared to the previous month, totalling over 2,250kg of food. This meant that the team was able to distribute 154 parcels to vulnerable members of the community, a new record!
WAN trustee Linda Hallowell commented, “The response to our festive appeal was absolutely staggering. We were delighted to be able to provide so many food parcels in the run-up to Christmas, each one containing not only essentials but a little festive cheer too.
“The people of Westbury generously donated all sorts of items including toys, which our volunteers wrapped and distributed to families as gifts. To know that so many were able to give a little to those most in need at Christmas time was heart-warming.
“Businesses and other groups gave up their usual ‘Secret Santa’ to donate to the food bank, plus we received financial donations both in cash/cheques and via our online giving page too. We would like to say an enormous thank you to everyone for their support.”
Local businesses who supported the festive appeal included Meiyume, On Track Education, Fairfield Farm College, Cygnets Pre-School, Rygor Commercials Ltd, Hire Standards, Sodexo and Aspire Warminster Garrison, Bovis Construction and many more.
Linda Hallowell added, “If we have forgotten to list your business here, please accept our apologies! The team were so overwhelmed with donations at some points that it became hard to keep track, but please know that your support is very much appreciated.”
The WAN team also want to thank Morrisons Westbury, Aldi Westbury, Lidl Westbury and Lidl Warminster for their regular weekly donations, including items for both the food bank and provision of surplus fresh goods for the community fridge.
Additionally, WAN has received ongoing support throughout the last year from a range of local organisations in the form of grants, funding, services and regular donations, with special thanks going to CW Accountancy Services, Imperial Charity, Westbury Area Board, Westbury Town Council, Wiltshire Community Foundation, Wessex Water, all Westbury schools and the ladies of Westbury Inner Wheel.
For more information on the work of Westbury Area Network, including donating to the food bank, accessing the community fridge and opportunities to volunteer please visit www.westburyareanetwork.org or follow WAN on Facebook www.facebook.com/WestburyAreaNetwork
