Food bank appeal
CATHOLIC Church charity Cáritas is appealing for donations as a growing number of families look for help from its food bank while the coronavirus crisis continues to bite.
The branch of Cáritas for the parish of Nuestra Señora de Loreto (Our Lady of Loreto) in Jávea port reported that the number of people needing support had almost doubled since the start of the lockdown.
And the charity appealed for extra donations, saying it welcomed any help from the public however small, as it all adds up to help solve the emergency.
The lockdown has already forced usual fund raising activities by Cáritas to be put on ice, such as the monthly market for books and toys, and the popular classical concerts at the ‘fisherman’s church’.
Cáritas has also been forced to change the way it operates because of Covid-19 - many of its volunteers are aged over 65, and are seen as being a high risk group for the disease.
Speaking on behalf of Cáritas, Elly van der Wel said: “At this time the 50-something families we have been helping in the long term have been added to by over 30 more. We need more money to be able to deal with this situation ,which is likely to continue for a long time in this area. There is no donation which is too small; it all adds up right now.”
Cáritas has seen new families appear asking for assistance on a daily basis because of the strain on finances; some with children who normally qualify for vouchers at school canteens have had to find the money for extra meals, and some single parent families have been unable to work as they have to care for youngsters at home.
Elly said the association was also relying on its younger team members to deliver food and distribute food vouchers which can be redeemed at Mas y Mas and other stores.
The emotional effects of the crisis have also been felt; people living alone are vulnerable to loneliness and depression; Cáritas is helping them by providing a telephone support service.
Anyone wishing to help the church charity can donate into its bank account: ES43 3058 2606 7027 2000 4740.