Over 60 bags stuffed full of donations from staff at the council were delivered by Leader of Merton Council, Councillor Stephen Alambritis, to the Wimbledon Foodbank last week.

Leader of the council Cllr Stephen Alambritis with Derrick Winter from the council’s transport team loading up the donations from council staff ready to deliver to the foodbank.

Christmas treats including puddings, chocolates and biscuits as well as essentials such as nappies, washing powder, toothpaste and a variety of foods were handed over to the Foodbank at Elim Church on High Path to be distributed to Merton families in need this Christmas. The donations from the council will be added to other contributions from Merton residents.

Since it opened in October 2011, the foodbank in High Path has received 203 tonnes of items donated by generous residents, businesses and churches. Over the Christmas period they help between 400 and 500 people, a marked increase on the 300 people usually on the books throughout the year. The foodbank is supported by about 70 volunteers a week.

Cllr Stephen Alambritis with Corinne Marshall at the Wimbledon Foodbank

Leader of Merton Council, Councillor Stephen Alambritis said: “Christmas can be a difficult time of year for many families in Merton. We hope the generosity of our staff will go some way towards making life a bit easier for them. We are proud to continue to support the Wimbledon Foodbank which does excellent work all year round.”

Corinne Marshall, foodbank co-ordinator, said: “It is amazing to get so many donations from people. They help many families in Merton get through Christmas. We are providing people who may have absolutely nothing, with the essentials and a few treats as well. Thank you to everyone who has donated, it means a lot to us.”

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