Residents and businesses have received a big thank you from the Leader of North East Derbyshire District Council, Martin Thacker, for supporting food donation centres organised by the community support team with help from a network of Parish Councils.
The team was formed in response to the Coronavirus outbreak and is deploying staff from the Council and Rykneld Homes to channel help to individuals and communities affected by the crisis.
Vulnerable people who are self-isolating as a result of the virus are being encouraged to register with the Council if they wish to receive a welfare call, or ask for support, or help with food or medicines.
The Team has worked with Parish Councils to set up food donation points with supplies being delivered to vulnerable people who cannot leave their homes to go out and shop.
There are now eight collection points established in Ashover, Clay Cross, Dronfield, Eckington, North Wingfield, Shirland and Higham, Tupton and Wingerworth with donations also being provided from Holymoorside and Walton.
Leader of the Council, Councillor Martin Thacker, MBE, said: “Our food donation centres were quickly up and running and I would like to say a big thank you to everyone who has kindly made a donation. NEDDC and Rykneld Homes staff are working well to collect the donations and develop food packages for residents, which are supplemented with donations from Tesco, Morrisons, Iceland”
The food centres have been able to support vulnerable individuals and families with essential supplies and we have also been able to offer provisions to local food banks which are able to continue their ongoing support to local communities.
As well as non-perishable food donations the centres are asking people to donate items such as games, jigsaws and puzzle books to help people and families facing long periods of isolation.
The food donations centres and food deliveries are being staffed by Council and Rykneld Homes employees along with support from volunteers.