As another lockdown looms, organisations in Ripon are preparing to support those most in need.
Major Christine McCutcheon, the officer in charge of the Salvation Army’s headquarters and church in Lead Lane, is anticipating a surge in demand for the services provided by foodbanks as Christmas approaches.
Major McCutcheon says the organisation locally is ready to respond.
She told the Stray Ferret:
“My particular concern is for those people who are under the radar and struggling to make ends meet through no fault of their own. When coronavirus first impacted on Ripon, there was a sudden ten-fold increase in the demand for food parcels that we were providing.”
Donated bags of pasta will help some people in need to feed their families.
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As the crisis deepened, The Salvation Army linked up with the Food Support foodbank, based at Community House in Allhallowgate, which provides a lifeline for people in Ripon, Boroughbridge and surrounding villages.
Christine and her colleague Alison Hewitt are now gearing up to fill parcels with Christmas food items and toys for families living in the area.
She said:
“In previous years, as part of our Christmas appeal supported by Morrisons supermarkets, we have prepared 200 bags of food and included between 300 and 400 toys, which parents can wrap up themselves to give to their children.
“This year there is likely to be a demand for more and we are again seeking help from the people of Ripon, who have always been extremely generous in providing new toys, food and cash donations.”
For those who haven’t previously called on assistance from The Salvation Army, Christine has a message:
“We handle all enquiries and referrals on a confidential basis. For some, that help might be over a short crisis period, between the loss of a job and the start of Universal Credit payments.
“There is nothing to be ashamed of – we are here to help and not to judge.”
Anybody in need of help or advice can contact the Salvation Army by calling 01765 692657