Overwhelming support for Christmas appeals in Rasen

Market Rasen Salvation Army is supporting more than 30 families and 72 children by providing seasonal supplies to help make their Christmas special. All the items have been donated and Territorial Envoy at Market Rasen, Terry Carpenter, would like to thank each and every person for their generosity.

He said: “We have been overwhelmed with the support we have received this year and I would love to personally thank each person who has contributed. However, the majority are anonymous – just people dropping this off at the shop – so I have no idea who they are, but I want them all to know how much their generous donations are appreciated – thank you all.”

The Salvation Army is once again also benefitting from the toy appeal scheme run through Lincolnshire Co-op Travel Shops.

Meanwhile the town’s Tesco store has been raising awareness for their continuing support of foodbanks in the local community.

The store’s community champion, Amanda Gwyther, said: “We are grateful to everyone who is continuing support our appeals. We know the donations really do make a difference to local families – they are needed and much appreciated.”

The store is continuing to work with the New Life Church Centre Foodbank, which has seen a rise in the number of people being referred.

Centre and Foodbank co-ordinator, Martin Forsythe, said the ongoing need is growing. "We are having new referrals every week, so it shows there is a real need for this service to continue – but we couldn’t do it without the generous donations from local businesses, community funds and individuals.”

The centre is preparing to distribute around 90 seasonal parcels, but it is the weekly basics that are in most need.

Martin said: “We are always grateful to receive easy-cook items, such as tinned meatballs, tinned stewing steak etc, as well as longlife milk. Items like this are a great help as they don’t require refrigeration.”

Donations can be taken to the centre Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 4.30pm.

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