Wiltshire Police staff and officers wanted to help those in crisis this Christmas and have been collecting food to donate to local foodbanks across the county.
On Thursday the Chief Constable, Mike Veale, Inspector Liz Coles and police staff member Clair Cross handed over bags of food including essential toiletries and festive treats to the Devizes Food bank.
Throughout the week officers and staff have been delivering their areas contribution to the local foodbanks. Photos are attached.
CC Mike Veale said: “The Trussell Trust help thousands of people across the UK every year and with one in five people living in poverty this is a massive task to undertake. There are many reasons that people might find themselves in crisis and the Trussell Trust do magnificent work locally to help people in their time of need.
This small act of kindness could really help individuals or families in need and we are delighted that we were able to assist. My thanks go to all the wonderful people who donated across the force I was really overwhelmed by their fantastic efforts. The Trussell Trust anticipate that this will be their busiest Christmas ever this year so if you are able to buy an extra bag or even a few cans of food whilst out shopping please do donate to your local food bank.”
Liz Starling from the Trussell Trust said: “Devizes Foodbank don’t think anyone in the Devizes and East Kennet area should have to face going hungry. That’s why we provide three days’ nutritionally balanced emergency food and support to local people who are referred to us in crisis. We partner with a wide range of care professionals such as doctors, health visitors, social workers and police to identify people in crisis and issue them with a foodbank voucher.
“We are part of a nationwide network of foodbanks, supported by The Trussell Trust, working to combat poverty and hunger across the UK. Every day people in the UK go hungry for reasons ranging from redundancy to receiving an unexpected bill on a low income. A simple box of food makes a big difference, with foodbanks helping prevent crime, housing loss, family breakdown and mental health problems.
“Over 90% of food given out by foodbanks is donated by the public – schools, churches, businesses and individuals donate non-perishable, in-date food to a foodbank. Large collections often take place at harvest and Christmas. This month alone Devizes Foodbank has received over two and a half tonne of food with more coming in each day. We are overwhelmed by the generosity of people in our communities and would like to say a very big thank you to them all.”
For more information about the Trussell Trust and how you can help visit https://www.trusselltrust.org/
