Bury St Edmunds Gatehouse charity 'overwhelmed' by foodbank appeal response

A Bury St Edmunds charity has thanked Bury Free Press readers for their ‘overwhelming generosity’ in helping to feed hundreds of families over the festive season.

Food items poured in for the Gatehouse Christmas Foodbank Appeal as you embraced the gift of giving to help the charity fill more than 500 food parcels to support those who are struggling financially.

Amanda Bloomfield, chief executive, said: “For the people who receive the parcels it really helps boost their Christmas, makes them feel they’re not as isolated or alone as they may be and that there’s help and hope out there for them.

“We’re absolutely overwhelmed by the generosity of the public in Bury. We’ve been able to fill over 500 parcels and have got stocks to see us into the early part of 2020.

“This has been the best food appeal we’ve had so a huge thank you for the support now and in the future.”

Those who donated food to the Bury Free Press to pass on to Gatehouse were entered into a raffle to win ‘Love2shop’ vouchers. Staff at grass seed company Barenbrug, in Perkins Road, Bury, scooped the top prize of £50 after the team of about 25 donated items.

It really helps boost their Christmas, makes them feel they’re not as isolated or alone as they may be and that there’s help and hope out there - Amanda Bloomfield

Katie Washbourne, HR manager, said: “Last year we did a reverse advent calendar for a foodbank in Stowmarket. We agreed to go for Gatehouse this year as we’re a Bury -based business. We appreciate what it does for the community. It was a large box of items (we donated) and our staff were very generous.”

Debbie White, 57, of Bury, and Jennifer Andrews, 74, of Stanningfield, each won £25.

Ms White said: “There are so many people in need for various different reasons and it’s just nice (to give).

“You never know when you might need a bit of help yourself so if I can help I do.”

Mrs Andrews said she also supports the Vineyard Church foodbank, which ‘does an awful lot of good as well’.

The amount of food parcels Gatehouse has distributed is a five per cent increase on the same time last year and tallies with a rise in demand for the charity’s foodbank.

All those using the foodbank are referred to Gatehouse through outside agencies which have assessed their financial situation.

Food can continue to be donated to Gatehouse, in Dettingen Way, Monday to Friday 8am to 3.30pm and collection points at Bury St Edmunds Waitrose, Tesco Superstore and the Co-op in Risbygate Street.