Food Packages for the Women's Refuge

Through the generosity of church members and others we are able to provide food packages for the women's refuge in Basildon, particularly for new arrivals (about 4 or 5 a month). We simply ask that, when doing shopping, a few extra items with a long "use-by-date" are purchased and donated for the Refuge.

Many of those coming to the Refuge have fled their homes with nothing, and a box of food is a wonderful way of meeting their immediate needs as well as showing them that people care. Staff at the Refuge tell us how grateful the women are who receive the bags of food. Some of them cannot believe that the whole package is for them, while others are reduced to tears as they receive this practical gift.

We have now delivered well over 80 boxes and (since the end of 2014) large shopping bags of food. We currently make up four large shopping bags at a time and it seems that no sooner do we empty the shelves than they are filled up again. A big "thank you" to all who keep bringing food items. In addition to this we supply separately, for general use, washing-up liquid, laundry detergents (liquid form only), babies' nappies, baby-wipes, toilet rolls, tissues and such other household items as they are donated by church members and others.

There is information and the Refuge's Annual report (2014) on a noticeboard at the back of the church together with a number of cards expressing thanks and appreciation.