Our first challenge as lockdown descended on us was the age range of our volunteers. It was so very hard for our committed individuals to follow government instructions and trust that a way would be found to keep the work going. The second was to make the food storage areas safe places for volunteers to work. Replacement volunteers got in touch when they were unable to work, from St James Church and Monkton and Prestwick and we set to make food store safe and continue to support those in need. South Ayrshire Council have been in touch with us right from the start of lockdown enquiring if we needed volunteers and offering food.
We have established a second store at St James Church to continue our support but minimise contact, at Newton Primary School (which has remained open). The School staff can gain easy access to hall for ambient food items. We have, thanks to Grant’s of Prestwick delivery, been supplying fresh milk, eggs and fresh fruit and veg and the Tattie Shed near Troon has supplied sacks of tatties. During week commencing 20th April the school provided 355 lunches, 131 food parcels including 18 for Heathfield school and 5 for members of the community. We are so happy to be part of the team of agencies assisting in this area of need in our community. We have continued to support the homeless hostels in Ayr and Troon supplying almost the same items as usual. Demand has dropped as I write this, to average 8 per week.
Please pray for wisdom for the Trustees as we go forward into this new world balancing the safety of our volunteers and the desire to help those in need.
Donations are still urgently needed, and can be either dropped off at a specific address or picked up from your home, which ever is the easiest for you. Just contact us using the following email: foodbank@kingcase.co.uk – a mutually convenient time will be then be arranged.
S.M.