WINTER DONATIONS APPEAL LAUNCHED IN SALFORD

Three organisations are appealing for donations to support people in need in Salford this winter.

Salford City Council, Salford CVS and Salford Citizens Advice have joined forces to collect donations to top up local food banks and support older people.

Donations of tinned food, tea, coffee, sugar, toiletries, feminine hygiene products and new baby items will be passed on to local food banks to help with the cost-of-living crisis, while warm blankets, gloves, hats, scarves and Christmas gifts will be given to over 65s at a series of pre-Christmas meals.

City Mayor Paul Dennett said:

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“We don’t want anyone to feel under any pressure to donate but more and more people, even those who are working, are having to turn to food banks for the first time in their lives. It’s a shocking situation and Salford organisations are pulling together to offer as much support as we can.”

Alison Page, Chief Executive of Salford CVS, said:

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“Salford people are kind and generous and I know if they can, they will do their bit to help the most vulnerable this winter. If anyone needs help with debts, bills or food we’re urging them not to be ashamed or afraid to ask. We know these are tough times.”

Tom Togher, Chief Executive of Salford Citizens Advice, which is also offering cost of living support, also chairs the Salford Foodshare Network made up of local organisations working together on food security in the city.

Tom said:

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“Foodbanks and food clubs, where people can buy basketfuls of goods at much reduced prices, are experiencing huge pressures. People are going hungry now to make sure their children get food or because they haven’t had anywhere else to turn. Every little bit of support Salford can offer through this appeal means someone doesn’t have to suffer.”

All food or toiletry items should be in date and unopened and any gifts should be brand new for safety and dignity.

Donations can be made at Salford CVS, 5 Irwell Place, Eccles or the Gateway centres or Broughton Hub which are also cost of living help points for anyone needing support. The Gateways/Hub are open Monday to Thursday 8am to 10pm, Friday 8am to 6.30pm and Saturday 9am to 1pm.

Broughton Hub, 50 Rigby Street, Broughton M7 4BQ (will also accept items for Hannukah)

Eccles Gateway, 28 Barton Road, Eccles M30 0TU

Swinton Gateway, 100 Chorley Road, Swinton M27 6BP

Pendleton Gateway, 1 Broadwalk, Pendleton M6 5FX

Walkden Gateway, 2 Smith Street, Walkden M28 3EZ

Food bank items needed:

Tinned meat, fish, lentils, beans or pulses,

Tinned vegetables including tomatoes,

Soup, baked beans or pasta in sauce,

Tinned fruit or puddings

Longlife milk, tea, coffee and sugar

Cereal, jams and spreads

Biscuits and snacks

Fruit juice

Sanitary products for women

Toiletries for all (new)

Baby items (new)

Christmas treats would be appreciated but please avoid any containing alcohol (even alcohol flavoured)

Items for older people

Blankets (new)

Hats, gloves, scarves (new)

Christmas gifts (please avoid alcohol/alcohol flavour)

Chocolate

Photo caption - left to right Deputy City Mayor and Lead Member for Housing, Property and Regeneration Councillor Tracy Kelly, Chief Executive of Salford Citizens Advice, Tom Togher, City Mayor Paul Dennett and Chief Executive, Salford CVS Alison Page with items collected by staff at Salford City Council.