Foodbank
Gnosall Foodbank
Shannon Fleming, Gemma Hodgkins and Victoria Hainsworth don’t exactly have lots of time on their hands. Shannon’s husband is abroad with the military and she is mum to 5 year old Ella, so life is busy; Gemma, a trained florist who sadly lost her husband in 2015, also has a busy life with her two children Aiden (10) and Milly (15); Victoria is a teacher who suffered a bereavement just before lockdown and was taking some time out to deal with that. But all three recognised that help for vulnerable, shielding and isolated families would be needed. Gemma has lived in Gnosall all her life, Shannon for 5 years after lots of moves with the military and Victoria for 3 years, having moved for the peace and quiet offered by the village. They didn’t know each other until they became page moderators on the Community Facebook site set up by Jessica Moult.
When Shannon came up with the idea, Gemma and Victoria jumped on board to help. Bank Top Garage kindly allowed them to have donations dropped off there and the group had a staggering number of donations. Because they aren’t a registered Foodbank, they get no official financial support and so community generosity is essential. As well as food and toiletries, people have given some small cash donations and the Co-op donates food nearing the end of shelf life so that it isn’t wasted.
All donations are wiped down, PPE is worn to ensure the safety of people receiving food parcels, then parcels are dropped off to people who have asked for help for themselves or their neighbours. They also sent toiletries and hand moisturiser to Gingercroft Residential Home, set up an Easter Egg hunt for the children and even supply people with books or magazines to ease their boredom during lockdown. Having each been through difficult times themselves, they didn’t want anyone in the village to feel alone or that they couldn’t ask for help. It was important to them to come together as a community. At the time of writing, over 150 food parcels have been driven to households across the village and the outskirts. It isn’t just food that has been so very warmly received – craft items, things to keep children occupied, just a friendly word or call – all these have resulted in tears of gratitude and happiness. It’s been a truly remarkable achievement and there’s no doubt that it has cemented the feeling of community on which Gnosall prides itself.
All three women feel that helping others has not only set a positive example to their children but also helped the three of them to feel a sense of achievement – and they have formed a lasting friendship. They are already making plans for continuing their support after lockdown, when times may be eased but not easy for so many. Watch this space!
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