Food and clothing scheme set up to help people to cope this winter
A scheme to provide help and support for people in need this winter is being launched in a Shropshire town.
A team of volunteers is being recruited to run a food and warm clothes sharing project with the support of local shops and other businesses.
The mayor of Ellesmere, Councillor Anne Wignall, is leading the initiative with the backing of the town council, in partnership with the Ellesmere Elves volunteer group and the Our Space community centre, next door to Churchmere medical centre.
From December 10, Our Space will be open every Saturday morning between 9am and 11.30am and each Tuesday afternoon from 2.30pm to 6.30pm for anyone needing support to call in and pick up donated items.
“No vouchers will be required,” said Mrs Wignall. “Just bring a bag and help yourself.”
Collection bins for people to donate warm clothing, food and other items have been placed at the Co-op and Premier stores, Mere Motors, JS Hair, the Tuesday Market, Ellesmere library, the Cellar Church, Rotary shop and Dudleston Heath post office at Criftins parish hall.
More businesses and organisations are being encouraged to join the scheme, and a meeting for new volunteers to help pick up collections will be held at Our Space at 6.30pm on Thursday in readiness for next month’s launch.
The mayor added: “On behalf of Ellesmere Town Council, I would like to thank Our Space for providing a room and helping the council set up the scheme. Many thanks also to Ellesmere Elves for all their support and to those businesses and organisations which have already offered to take part.
"It’s very much appreciated. We hope that others will join us, by offering to have a collection bin or by making donations. Please contact anne.wignall@ellesmere-tc.gov.uk for further information.”
