F M Coatings, based at Boldon Colliery, handed over their generous donation to the founders of Hebburn Helps community food bank on Thursday, December 12.

With the help of staff, suppliers and business contacts they have collected around £3,000 worth of toys, food, toiletries and clothing donations for the charity in just a week.

F M Coatings directors, Mick and Sharon Ford started collecting donations in early December and said they have been “overwhelmed” by the response that they’ve had.

Sharon and Mick Ford Co directors of F M Coatings (centre) present items of food, clothing, toiletries and toys to Hebburn Helps Co Founders Jo Durkin (left) and Angie Comerford.

They managed to fill an entire room with the items, after asking their suppliers to make a donation to the charity rather than getting them a Christmas gift this year.

Mick, Sharon and staff members have also donated numerous items themselves, including 10 new bikes to go to children who may not get anything else in their stocking this year.

“I normally make a small donation at the supermarket at this time of year, but we thought we would do something a little bit bigger – and it turned into something really big,” said Mick.

“The target was to raise £1,000 and we did that within a day.

Items of food, clothing, toiletries and toys collected by Sharon and Mick ford co founders of F M Coatings in aid of Hebburn Helps.

“We’re all quite emotional and overwhelmed by it, we’re really happy with the response we have had from the community. Quite a few people have donated who really haven’t got much themselves.”

He added: “It’s not about us as a business, we just wanted to make people aware of Hebburn Helps. so that other people they may start donating for the local community as well.”

The toys and food will go towards Hebburn Helps Christmas appeals, to support families in South Tyneside during the festive season.

Co-founders of Hebburn Helps, Angie Comerford and Jo Durkin were visibly emotional at the number of items that had been collected.

Items of food, clothing, toiletries and toys collected by Sharon and Mick ford co founders of F M Coatings in aid of Hebburn Helps. Picture by FRANK REID

“I have never seen anything like it in all my life,” said Angie

“When we walked into the room we just cried when we saw it all. It’s absolutely amazing. I can’t believe how kind people are being, it takes a massive weight off our shoulders.”

Items of food collected by Sharon and Mick ford co founders of F M Coatings.

Toys collected by F M Coatings in aid of Hebburn Helps. Picture by FRANK REID

Emotional moment Hebburn Helps food bank receives "overwhelming" donation from South Tyneside business