Wednesday 16 September 2009

Requests update

September is proving to be a very busy month; so far this month we have already given away almost as many food bags as we did in the whole of September last year. As a result, the cupboards are really very low on some items, and we have run out of some things altogether. So if you use this blog to keep you up-to-date with what Storehouse needs, here's what we are needing at the moment:
  • tinned meat*, tinned fish*
  • tinned vegetables*, tinned potatoes & instant mash
  • pasta & pasta sauces
  • desserts of all kinds
  • small packets of cereals*
  • toiletries, especially toothpaste* and deodrants*
  • ANYTHING suitable for people with no access to any cooking facilities.

As we give away more food bags, we reach and have an impact in the lives of more and more people. It is wonderful that we are able to do this, and to be able to show something of God's love and concern for the marginalised, the poor and the needy. It is great too that we can be a part of this, whether we bring just one or two cans and whether we are part of West Suffolk Vineyard Church or not. We are grateful for the involvement and donations of other churches to the work at Storehouse and also for donations from schools and local churches of their harvest celebration items at this time of year. (If you know of a local school or church that is going to be holding a harvest celebration, please feel free to mention Storehouse to them, as we would be very grateful for any donations of food and toiletries from them. Contact the Vineyard Centre or any of the Storehouse team for more info, or leave a comment on this blog.) Please be assured that everything that you give makes a difference in the life of someone, and whether they are aware of it or not, demonstrates the love and compassion that God has for them. Thank you.

Thursday 3 September 2009

August stats and requests update

August was yet another busy month for Storehouse. During the month, we received 65 requests from 12 different local agencies plus a couple of non-agency requests all of which resulted in 73 food bags being given away to needy and struggling people in and around Bury St Edmunds and West Suffolk.
As a result of so many requests, plus more than 10 bags going out in the first 2 days of September, we are desperately short of many items and would very much appreciate the following (please feel free to drop any items in at the Vineyard Centre):
  • any food that can be eaten without heating (e.g. ring-pull cans, peanuts, biscuits etc)
  • tinned meat (we have 1 tin left), fish, vegetables*, potatoes
  • pasta sauces, instant/pot noodles, instant mash
  • fruit & desserts
  • small cereals, tea bags*
  • toiletries, especially deodorant*, toothpaste*, shower gel*, soap*

It is wonderful that we are able to help so many people in this practical way, showing them compassion in a way that impacts their lives. When we give just one or two cans we really do make a difference, so thank you for everything that you do give.

On a slightly different tack, if you are involved with a local school that is going to be holding a Harvest celebration of any kind, you could maybe mention to the staff that Storehouse would gladly take any non-perishable items that are donated. We have already written to most of the local schools, but any additional support would be most welcome. Thank you.