Free gifts for those in need
HALF-TERM EVENT TO GIVE AWAY FOOD AND TOYS TO HELP STRUGGLING FAMILIES
A BURTON woman will be hosting a free event during the half term holidays to give away free food and toys to help families that are struggling in the town.
Monica Dunbar, founder of the Loveinspire Foundation, a charity specialising in crisis prevention among struggling families, will be hosting the event from Monday, October 26, to Thursday, October 29, at the Carver Road Community Centre, in the town
She will be working with other like-minded organisations such as Horninglow Residents Association, and supermarket Morrisons and A Gift for You, who will be providing the food parcels for the event.
Help will be given on an appointment only basis – people can just turn up. Slots have to be booked make sure social distancing is adhered to when families collect their donations.
Monica, who has lived in Burton all her life and runs Loveinspire from a base in High Street, said: “End Child Poverty, an organisation made up of children’s charities, child welfare organisations, social justice groups, faith groups and trade unions released some worrying stats that show 6,321 local children are currently living in poverty.
“The pandemic is having a huge impact in our communities and demand for our services has doubled.
“Families are struggling financially and it’s having a big impact on their children who might be going to sleep on an empty stomach.
“Our charity shop has been closed since March, which was our main source of income.
“We are so thankful for volunteers during lockdown who enabled us to continue distributing essential items during lock down.
“We are asking for anyone who is living in hardship to contact our crisis prevention helpline on 07838 516607 for free confidential support.
“On the days there will be food parcels, children books and toys which have been kindly donated to us and again it shows the amazing community spirit people in Burton have.
“We realise asking for help in a public space can make people feel embarrassed and that’s why we have set up the collection service where they can come in at whatever time they feel works for them and take what they need and not feel judged in any way.”