Neighbour’s cupboard of kindness

A GOOD neighbour has created a ‘Kindness Cupboard’ for her neighbours – a mini-foodbank for anyone struggling in the area.

Mustang Close resident, Natalie Edwards, set up the cupboard, which is next to the Mustang Close street sign, in mid-October in a bid to help anyone affected by the pandemic. Natalie told White Horse News, “I wanted to help people during this time of lockdown and restrictions –  people on furlough, with children, carers, anyone that might be struggling.

“And I wanted to make it more accessible than a foodbank, which are normally open during working hours – and there can be a stigma attached to using foodbank, especially if you have never had to use one. 

“So the ‘Kindness Cupboard’ is  open 24 hours-a-day, seven days a week, without having to speak to anybody or explain their situation.”

Neighbours can also donate food to the ‘Kindness Cupboard’, as well as helping themselves if needed. Natalie has also gained the support of local supermarket Morrisons, who donate items to the cupboard.

“It’s been going really well,” said Natalie, “lots of people have been using it, and lots of people have messaged me to say that they have been using the cupboard to collect food items, like tins of soup, for their elderly neighbours – so it’s working well. I use social media to let people know if supplies are getting low, and usually within hours, donations are piling in for the cupboard.”

Natalie’s neighbour, Jane Pilgrim, who contacted White Horse News about Natalie’s initiative, added, “Natalie works long hours but still finds time to monitor and stock up the cupboard.”