Ribble Valley council workers dig deep for festive food and toy appeals

They have collected a feast of festive fare for the Ribble Valley Foodbank and toys for the Salvation Army’s Christmas Present Appeal.

Ribble Valley Borough Council workers donated puddings, cakes, tinned produce, mince pies, toiletries, books and games for the two appeals, after heeding a rallying call from UNISON convener Linda Boyer.

Linda said: “People in the UK go hungry every day for a variety of reasons, such as redundancy or receiving an unexpected bill, and this year is worse than ever, due to the pandemic.

“But a simple box of food can make a big difference and remind people who are struggling that they are not alone or forgotten.

“The festive season calls us to consider those who are less fortunate and my kind-hearted colleagues have risen to the occasion.”

There are 428 foodbanks in the UK providing emergency food supplies to families in crisis.

The Ribble Valley Foodbank is based at Trinity Church in Clitheroe and staffed by 75 volunteers, who handed out 180 emergency food supplies a month this year, compared to 125 a month last year.

The Salvation Army Christmas Present Appeal collects new, unwrapped toys and gifts for children who might not otherwise receive a festive gift.