The South Shields foodbank that is 'scaring hunger away' this Autumn

A foodbank based in South Shields has launched its annual Harvest Appeal, calling on schools, churches, businesses and residents to help stock its shelves ahead of winter and ensure local people facing hardship can access essential support.

Key to Life Foodbank’s appeal combines the long-standing tradition of Harvest giving with an October campaign encouraging the community to help ‘Scare Hunger Away’ through donations, collections and seasonal fundraising activities.

As demand for support continues and foodbank stocks need replenishing after the summer holidays, the charity, based at Boldon Lane Library, is asking people to donate food, toiletries, household essentials, baby items, or make a financial contribution.

Schools, churches, workplaces, community groups and neighbourhoods are invited to organise Harvest collections, while supporters are also encouraged to be creative and organise Halloween-themed fundraising activities throughout October.

Key to Life is happy to arrange school, church and workplace collections, provide internal communications materials, and offer letters of thanks or CSR recognition. Staff can also deliver a talk or arrange a visit to help engage employees and students around the real-life impact of their support.

The appeal comes as many local households continue to face financial pressures, with foodbanks experiencing increased demand while donations often reduce following the summer holidays.

Jo Benham Brown, Deputy Chief Executive at Key Community, said: “Harvest is a time when communities traditionally come together to support those who may be struggling, and that spirit of generosity remains as important as ever.”

“Demand for foodbank support continues throughout the year, and autumn is a crucial time for us to replenish stocks ahead of winter.

”There are lots of simple ways to get involved, whether that’s making a donation, organising a collection through your school, church or workplace, or holding your own Halloween fundraiser with friends, family or colleagues.

“Every donation, collection and fundraising activity helps us support local people facing hardship and ensures essential supplies are available when they are needed most.”

Throughout October, Key to Life Foodbank will celebrate and share fundraising activities organised by local schools, businesses, community groups and residents across its social media channels, helping inspire others to get involved.

Ways to Get Involved

Traditional Harvest Collections

Schools, churches, workplaces and community groups are invited to collect non-perishable food, toiletries, baby essentials and household items.

Halloween Fundraising

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How to Donate

Non-perishable food, toiletries, household and baby essentials

Drop off donations at Key to Life, inside Boldon Lane Library (NE34 0LZ), open Monday to

Friday, 10am to 4pm, via the foodbank’s Amazon wishlist or on board Key Community Bus.

Please get in touch to arrange a school, church, workplace or neighbourhood collection.

Financial Donations

Online: https://keycommunity.org.uk/donate

By text: Text SCARE to 70085 to donate £5. Texts will cost the donation amount

plus one standard network rate message.

By cheque: Please make payable to ‘Key Community’ and post to: Key Community,

116 Baring Street, South Shields, NE33 2BA.

By bank transfer: Please email [email protected] to arrange donating by bank transfer.