The helpers are either local church members or retired people like me just wanting to do something useful or people who have been in that situation themselves in former times. All very friendly and caring. What's not to like? I've made a quite a few friends over the recent months by going in on the different days it operates.
As for the guests, as they are known, it varies according to the day of the week, the weather and what is on offer, but approximately 40 to 100 guests turn up for each session. Some days they get to sit and chat with others over a cup of tea and a bit of cake, as well as collect their free shopping bags full of tins, toiletries, bread and fruit, all donated by individuals, church collections or local supermarkets. On the busiest day, they get a two-course sit-down cooked meal, as well as their shopping bags. There is a washing machine, a shower and advice on benefits or housing. There's even an art class and a choir. The charity that runs it believes in a holistic approach to get them back on their feet. Not all are capable of getting back on their feet, but for some it is a temporary crutch while they are ill or homeless or jobless. Some are alcoholics, drug addicts or have mental health issues. It is not for the faint-hearted. A few weeks ago, a fight broke out between two of the alcoholic guests with punches thrown. It was amazing to see how the other guests leaped in to break it up, as it was not acceptable to them to see their foodbank abused. The majority are so grateful to receive anything and will politely thank us for whatever little we can give them. It is so humbling.
I can't help thinking when I see some of the inebriated guests, that it could have been Greg, if I had been unable to cope any more and had decided to leave him. Or me, if our finances had disappeared in a puff of smoke and alcohol, as they seemed to be heading at one stage. A part of me feels that, although I cannot save Greg, at least I am doing something positive to help another poor soul in need and I like to hope that, if Greg had ended up on the streets, there would have been someone in a foodbank somewhere to look after him.
6 comments:
I think you are doing an excellent job Addy. It is pleasing to know that both you and your "guests" are benefitting from your volunteering at the foodbank.
Keep up the good work, and God Bless!
Willy Wombat
Good on you Addy. In an ideal world we shouldn't have to have food banks but it's not an ideal world and food banks are a real lifeline too many. well done! x
It's tough out there, I work full time and still rely on the community food club I am a member of once a week. I salute your's and theirs volunteering skills that allows the club's to run.
Yes, you are right. A turn of circumstances can land any one of us in such situations. I agree with Jill, above, when she says we shouldn't need food banks, but while we do it is good to know they are there. Eventually I hope people rebel and force the wealthy to share more equitably.
I know that you were not fishing for praise through this blogpost but I am going to give you a big dollop of praise anyway! I admire you for doing this work and for being a reliable member of the food bank team ADDY! Keep up the good work! One of my best friends works at a Sheffield food bank and also "enjoys" it very much.
nice one. I keep meaning to do something with a food bank with my GG unit. Think I might set a budget for meals/health care and get them to shop for it with the food bank in mind as the end receiver
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