SOME of Coventry’s most isolated and vulnerable residents have been given a helping hand by the Heart of England Co-operative Society.
A total of £5,000 was shared across four charities helping those in need in Coventry, Warwickshire and south Leicestershire.
Coventry Foodbank received £2,000.
The cash was aimed at helping those affected by issues arising from the Covid pandemic – from financial hardship to isolation from family and friends.
Coventry Foodbank manager Hugh McNeill said: “We would like to say a massive thank you to the Heart of England Co-operative Society and its members and customers for their ongoing support this year.
“They have really weighed in, not just with food but with financial donations which allow us to stock up on the foods we are low on.
“We are aiming to give extra, so as well as the normal quota of food in a parcel we want to provide treats like biscuits and selection boxes.
“The aim is for anyone who comes into the foodbank over Christmas week to receive a nice parcel to tide them over.
“We’re very aware a box of biscuits or a box of chocolates can mean an awful lot to people and there are many charities in Coventry like ours all working in partnership with each other to provide toys for children whose parents are struggling.
“Our overall aim is to ensure no-one is missed out and donations such as this are a huge help.”
The remaining £3,000 was equally divided between Feeding Coventry, Coventry City Mission and Crisis.
Jo Dyke, Community and Membership Adviser at the Heart of England Co-operative Society, praised the work of the charities throughout the year. She added: “There are so many fantastic causes in Coventry working round the clock to combat hunger and poverty and to help struggling families to feed their children, especially at Christmas.
“These are issues which we know are close to the hearts of our members and customers.
“No-one should go without food and a few festive treats over Christmas, so we are delighted to support these fantastic causes who work so hard all year round to make life a little easier for people less fortunate than themselves.”
