The Jarrow Good Samaritans delivering hundreds of food hampers to vulnerable residents

A group of volunteers in Jarrow have been delivering over 100 hampers of food and essential items a week to elderly and vulnerable residents in the Bede ward.

The initiative is being spearheaded by 49-year-old Joanne Crosby of John Reid Road.

The grandmother-of-three decided to do something to help after knocking on an elderly neighbour who hadn’t seen anyone for 10 days.

With the help of Danielle Lamoury, 35, of Canborough Drive - and three delivery drivers - every week the team collects donations of food from local shops and individuals and makes up the packages.

Joanne said: “We started at 20 packages a week and now we’re up to 120 - it’s just spread through word of mouth and the numbers are going up all the time.”

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Nico Ali , who runs the Premier shop on the Scotch Estate with his brother Taz, has been donating bread and milk to go in the hampers.

Over the last few weeks the shopkeepers have delivered more than 250 loaves of bread and cartons of milk to those who can’t leave their homes - as well as delivering essentials to hospitals in South Tyneside and Sunderland.

Fresh n Fruity of King Street, South Shields and market trader Premier Meats have also been providing hundreds of pounds worth of fresh fruit and vegetables and meat.

Red Hackle landlord, Lee Hughes - who was forced to close the pub when the lockdown measures were brought in last month - has provided a room for the team to collect donations and make up the hampers.

The pub is currently being used as a community kitchen, which is also providing hundreds of hot meals to local residents.

“Everyone has been amazing and we couldn’t have done it without Lee providing us with the room free of charge,” added Joanne.

Danielle commented: “We just want to thank everyone for for their support – we couldn’t do this without the community behind us.”

For more information contact Joanne on 07366067211.

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