Toon stars salute foodbank heroes
NEWCASTLE’S stars have united to paid tribute to the staff and volunteers at the West End Foodbank in a special Christmas video message.
With 2020 already a record year for the foodbank, the Christmas period is set to push the demand for its services even further.
In recent weeks several Toon players have visited the foodbank to drop off donations and some have recorded a Christmas message to the staff who have consistently worked to keep the charity going through the Covid-19 pandemic.
Allan Saint-Maximin, who visited the foodbank shortly after signing for the club last year, said: “It was a pleasure to see you, I have a really good memory of visiting the foodbank – I just want to say a Merry Christmas and I miss you.”
With fans banned from entering St James’ Park in recent months, the usual donation boosts the charity receives on matchdays have not been available.
However, despite the lockdown, the general public have stepped up to help out.
Isaac Hayden said: “It is a difficult time for the foodbank in general, it relies on a lot of donations to be able to provide food for people who cannot afford food or are in very desperate situations.
“Usually, there would be matches and things like that where they would get a lot of donations.
“It has been a bit difficult with noone being allowed to go to games but they have been receiving a lot of donations from a lot of nice people and a few of the lads have been down there to help out.
“The more anyone can do to help, no matter how small or big, will be sufficient and would help them out a big deal.”
The number of people seen by the foodbank between April and September was 27,000, which was 82% of the total seen in the entirety of the previous year.
Paul Dummett is one of the Toon players to have popped down in recent weeks with donations.
He said: “Hi to everyone at the Foodbank and thanks for all your help in the local community.
“The work you do is brilliant. I wish you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.”
Sean Longstaff also paid thanks to the volunteers, saying: “To everyone involved at the foodbank, I just want to say congratulations on the great work you have been doing.
“I hope you have a great Christmas, stay safe and hopefully we get to see you soon.”
You can find out more about the Foodbank by visiting their website.