A Leeds charity is launching a pop-up food bank in Armley, and calling out for Christmas presents for vulnerable families.
Vulnerable Citizen Support is launching a food bank and donation day at Mike Tobins gym in Armley on Friday 13th November.
The food bank is the third pop-up provision the charity has launched in recent weeks, to help those in need who are struggling to access help or reach its welfare centre on Canal Road in Armley.
On Friday, as well as providing food and offering instant, accessible help, it’s also asking for any donations of food, good quality used toys or even time from anyone willing to volunteer for the charity.
It has also launched an appeal for brand new toys or gifts to wrap up and deliver as Christmas presents to vulnerable families around Leeds.
Director Haydn Jessop said:
“Many of our families are going to struggle to provide presents for their kids this year – as the current situation rolls on, many are already struggling to provide essentials. We have collected and wrapped up 40 gifts to go to children who might not be getting a present this Christmas but we would love to be able to distribute more. Not just toys for young children either – we would really welcome suitable gifts for older kids and teenagers.”
Presents for the Christmas gift appeal can be dropped off at Mike Tobins Gym on Friday, at either of the other pop-up food banks or the charity can collect.
As reported by WLD, the other two food banks which have been launched are at the Butterbowl pub in Farnley and the Hanover Arms in Wortley, in conjunction with Community Soul in Wortley. Mr Jessop added:
“Unfortunately as we have entered our second lockdown we have seen unprecedented demand for our services and we hope these pop-up food banks will make it easier for people to access help quickly, within their communities without having to travel too far.”
Since its launch in February, Vulnerable Citizen Support has provided over 50,000 meals to more than 500 struggling families, housed 15 homeless families, made more than 500 baby bank referrals and delivered anti-knife crime workshops to over 2,000 students.
The three pop-up food banks, all socially distanced and Covid-compliant will take place at the Hanover Arms and the Butterbowl pub on Thursdays 10-12 and 1-3 and at Mike Tobins gym on Fridays 1-4.
To find out more, access help or donate to the Christmas gift appeal please visit their Facebook page.