Foodbank donations in Maidenhead help more than 500 people this Christmas

More than 500 people had a ‘brighter Christmas’ this year thanks to ‘the selfless efforts’ of the Maidenhead community.

Trustee of Maidenhead Foodbank Debbie Gee put out an urgent appeal for Christmas food – little treats and such to help brighten the festive period – at the beginning of December.

Since then, the community came through with hundreds of donations of food.

Bags of Christmas food jumped from 10 full bags to 140 by December 20– just about enough to meet the needs of those being helped by Foodshare.

In the Christmas week, news of more donations came in.

There was a box of goodies from The Cedars Surgery GPs; a trolley-load of food from Howden Insurance; vouchers bought from Maidenhead United; a table full of food from Maidenhead Air Training Corps and a donation of £400 from Castle Royle golf club.

Volunteers made festive feasts for more than 70 people who may be spending Christmas alone or who do not have the proper cooking facilities.

On collecting Waitrose supermarket surplus, the team saw its Foodshare freezer ‘more packed than Santa's sleigh on Christmas Eve.’

Writing on Facebook on Christmas eve, Debbie said:

“I am sitting here tonight, truly overcome by emotion as I think back on the day we've had and the week leading up to it.

“To know that we have not only provided for physical needs but also touched people's lives, giving them hope, and even saving lives – this truly is an incredible privilege.

“The genuine desire from children to adults, choosing to use their pocket money or spare change to help another in need, to ensure someone else can also have a Merry Christmas, is the true spirit of our community.

“I am immensely proud and honoured to be part of this phenomenal community.

“Our combined efforts from our local community and dedicated volunteers have created moments of light in the lives of many who may have felt enveloped by darkness.”