Lorna’s ‘mission’ is to feed needy amid crisis
FOOD BANK FOUNDER PROVIDING LIFELINE TO VULNERABLE FAMILIES
A FOOD bank founder says it is “her mission” to support those struggling during the pandemic in Burton.
Lorna Smith said: “There are families that are not eating, sleeping and the food parcels are a lifeline for them.”
She is a self-employed mental health support worker, helping clients with emotional and mental health issues and has previously volunteered with Staffordshire Police, where she helped support people with mental health issues.
She is also an ambassador for the Sexual Abuse Rape Advice Centre (SARAC) in the town.
Currently she is working with The Community Church and launched the Community Cans Can Help food bank service at the beginning of February. It operates from 63 Main Street, Stapenhill, which is a former carpet shop.
The food bank runs two days a week on Mondays and Friday from 10.30am to 1.30pm each day, offering food to people struggling during the pandemic.
The 52-yearold, who lives in Stapenhill and has lived in Burton all her life, said: “I enjoy helping an talking to people and the pandemic has taught us all the simple things we take for granted are very important.
“I love Burton, I have lived here all my life and it is my mission to support my community.
“When the first lockdown happened, I made sure my neighbours and those who were living close to me where not in need and I gave them whatever support I could. The food bank service is going really well, I have had some amazing donations from the public and again it highlights the community spirit and I am glad to be a part of it.
“I am CIP registered now so I can apply for funding and grants, which is very good news.
“I am supporting Girica, who provide accommodation to the homeless, with food parcels and again donations to make the food parcels have been coming in very regularly to allow me to do this.
“Some people even drop donations off to my house and these donations do really go along way as people are struggling.”
She added: “I want to continue my support and look into providing a hub, after lockdown where people can come in and see me.
“There is still a lot that needs to be done, but I am confident we can all work together for the betterment of our community and support those who need our help.”
Donations of all food and toiletry items will also be gladly accepted during these times.
For more information or to donate, call Lorna on 07850 588672 or email info@tcc.org.uk
I love Burton, I have lived here all my life, and it is my mission to support my community.
Lorna Smith