CRL organised the National Highways Yorkshire and North East Community Christmas food collection for the Trussell Trust. Community members joined forces to respond to the Trussell Trust’s first ever emergency food appeal which occurred as demand soared due to the cost-of-living crisis. This coincided with a NYE Community Christmas toy and gift collection for the Salvation Army.
Food was collected in offices and sites across the region and split between food banks in Barnsley and Middlesborough. Collectively, sixteen YNE Community members collected the equivalent of 714 meals for Barnsley and 236.75kg of food for Middlesbrough (each food bank measures donations in a different way!).
Toy and gift donations went to the Leeds West Hunslet Salvation Army. Including food and gift donations, over 100 boxes and bags were collected in total by the community.
A huge well done to those at the Chesterfield office for their contributions. Needless to say, both food banks were incredibly grateful. Feedback from the Trussell Trust, the Salvation Army and National Highways was all fantastic:
Andrew Jennings, National Highways Supplier Relationship Manager said “We are delighted with the response from staff across National Highways and our supply chain who have come together to help so many families in the area, especially with the cost-of-living crisis impacting on so many. The results show the power of us all working together, and we are grateful to everyone involved for donating and organising the collection.”
Tracey Godfrey-Harrison, Project Manager at Middlesbrough Foodbank was delighted with the donation, “As you can imagine things are difficult for us all at the moment so I was delighted when we received a donation from National highways and their partner agencies. We are so thankful for your donation of 236.75kg of food. This will be used to feed those in need around Middlesbrough. Thank you for your kindness and for thinking of others”.
Suzanne Humphrey from Leeds West Hunslet Salvation Army added ‘Thank you so much for the support; your donations will help us to reach the most vulnerable in the community at Christmas. People don’t always realise the difference these donations make; they really do help so many families”.