WESTBURY Area Network (WAN), the organisation behind the town’s food bank and community fridge, has launched its first Christmas appeal.
Organisers say that they are seeing the impact of the rising cost-of-living as more members of the community are looking to the food bank for support. Throughout the festive season, extra donation points will be available throughout Westbury at Aldi, Lidl, Morrisons (including grab bags), Crosspoint, All Saints’ Church, West End Baptist Church, Fairfield Farm College, White Horse Health Centre and the Westbury Community Project.
WAN trustee Linda Hallowell says, “We recognise this Christmas is likely to be especially challenging for those most vulnerable members of our community and people who have been hardest hit by the cost-of-living crisis. In addition to basic essentials, we are asking donors over the festive season to consider contributing a little something extra to help spread some Christmas cheer to those who are less fortunate.
“As energy bills rise and colder weather approaches, we know that some of our recipients are worried about keeping warm, so we would especially love members of the public to consider donating hot water bottles. Despite the name, the food bank isn’t just about food and these thoughtful donations will help make Christmas just a little easier.”
A full list of suggested items is available via the WAN Facebook page and can also be found next to this article, but items that could make a real difference include Christmas puddings, chocolates and sweet treats, crackers, Christmas cards, festive napkins and stocking fillers – especially unopened gift sets and new toys. In addition to increased donation points, WAN has extended the opening hours for the Food Bank to include Saturday mornings (10am to 12pm), in an effort to ensure more people can access the service if required.
WAN trustees and volunteers will also be taking part in a food drive at Morrisons Westbury on 13th December to help further boost donations this festive season. For more information visit www.westburyareanetwork.org or follow www.facebook.com/WestburyAreaNetwork Community fridge now has a freezer thanks to the town council WAN members have thanked Westbury Town Council for their contribution this month of a new freezer for the community fridge.
The community fridge aims to promote food sharing and reduce food waste, as well as being helpful to people who are trying to save money. Unsold food is collected from local supermarkets and offered to members of the public for free, with everyone welcome to use the service. Located at the Westbury Community Project, the community fridge is managed by WAN volunteers on behalf of the town council, with opening hours on Mondays, Wednesday and Fridays from 10.30am until 12pm.
The new freezer is currently stocked with excess food received from Lidl including frozen vegetables, chips, oven items and sweet treats.
For updates and more information on the Community Fridge visit www. westburyareanetwork.org or follow www.facebook .com/WestburyAreaNetwork
