A regular food distribution service run by volunteers in Bramley helped another 34 families in need on Friday.
The distributions are being run by the Bramley Care Bears volunteers at Bramley Community Centre.
The group was set up to run events and host activities to support the community.
Helped by donations from big supermarkets such as Tesco, the Care Bears have seen demand for their food distributions rise from 10-15 families a week up to around 100 due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Secretary Angela McConnell said she had been overwhelmed by people’s support:
“These are exceptional circumstances and unlike anything many of us have experienced before.
“Our community group has been completely overwhelmed by the generosity of Tesco customers and colleagues alike in their dedication that those most in need within our community have everything they need during these challenging times.”
The wider community has also rallied around the distribution of food. Mrs McConnell added:
“We would like to say a special thank you to the following: Our wonderful volunteers who work together brilliantly to run these food distribution sessions.
“We’d also like to thank Mark Law and the team at Barca, ASDA, Rosebank Primary School and AVSEV (based in Guiseley), who donated large amounts of tinned foods, packet foods and sanitary products.
“One of our local residents, Andy Bottomley, donated a large amount of tinned and packet foods, and Marvina Newton donated a large amount of sanitary products.
“Last but not least, a big thank you to Fran Graham and the team at Bramley Elderly Action for their wonderful support.”
Tesco’s head of community Claire De Silva added:
“In every part of the UK there are charities and communities who do amazing work to feed people during the pandemic, and we are glad we have been able to support them to help so many people.”
Bramley Care Bears are also working in partnership with Fairfield Community Centre to offer food to those in need each Sunday.
They have been doing some socially distanced woodworking in the backyard at Bramley Community Centre.
Volunteers have been turning free pallets into free window-boxes to give away to people with compost and hopefully a few veg and herb seedlings.
To find out more about the Bramley Care Bears and their work, visit their Facebook page.
