A STATISTIC to stop you in your tracks today.

This year, our local foodbank will have delivered enough food for over 60,000 meals in the local area.

It’s by far from the only numbers from RAFT, the local organisation behind our food bank, which shock when you first read them.

Fourteen new baby welcome packs have been issued – five in the last few weeks alone.

More than 250 packs of nappies have been given out.

Five packs have been issued to help people cope with homelessness in Rossendale too.

On one hand, it’s distressing that such support is needed in our society, on the other, pleasing to know that we live in a community which is prepared to help.

RAFT benefits from 170 hours of volunteer time every week.

A partnership with the new Marks & Spencer has resulted in more fresh food being delivered, such as bread.

And as we enter a period where consumerism is all around us, RAFT will be relying on our support to help those who can’t afford to celebrate Christmas.

Last year, they delivered 400 advent calendars, selection boxes and chocolate treats. And £900 of meat vouchers were distributed to enable people to buy from local butchers – thus ensuring they could have a Christmas dinner.

Such efforts make such a difference to lives at an important time of year – but they rely on our support.

If you pass one of their collection points and can drop some food in, I’d urge you do so.

If you can donate money instead, information can be found at www. raftfoundation.org.