More than 150 food parcels were delivered to people in need during December, including one volunteer dropping off these vital supplies on Christmas Day. As the number of people facing hardship has increased, distribution has continued into January and February.
GENEROUS businesses, organisations and residents across Nottinghamshire have pulled together during December and January to support a food parcel campaign by local charity Switch Up.
The Switch Up Community Appeal was launched in the run-up to Christmas, working with councils, schools and local groups to identify and offer a sense of hope to the most vulnerable people living in Nottingham and the wider county.
With the ambition to ensure ‘no one goes hungry’, the Switch Up team collected financial contributions to create food parcels for distribution across the city and Mansfield, and accepted food, toiletries, books, new toys and gift donations.
Marcellus Baz BEM, Switch Up CEO and founder, said: “It has been truly amazing to see the community come together and help support the appeal, at a time when the need has never been greater. Many are still struggling from the pandemic and have now been hit with the impact of the cost-of-living crisis, mortgage increases, and rising fuel bills.
“It is critical that we find a way to bring hope to people, and to keep providing support and donations wherever possible. In particular, we want to help those who may not know how to get help, potentially due to a language barrier, a disability or mental health issues. Working in conjunction with food banks to ensure we do not duplicate efforts, we know in some cases that stocks have been depleted and people have had to turn elsewhere. The feedback we have received is that the service is absolutely needed and deeply appreciated.”
Around £25,000 was raised by generous members of the business community, with support from Lindley’s Autocentres, Oakfield Construction, Cartwright Communications, and Chord Consult. Books were donated from the Nottingham City of Literature organisation and a large number of toiletries were given as a result of an appeal by coffee shop company 200 Degrees, which saw customers receive a free coffee in return for a donated item.
Nottingham College students also worked on their own campaign to raise funds and create food parcels for the appeal – then kindly offered to help with delivery.
Monetary donations can still be made on the Just Giving page. All donations can go a long way to making a difference. To provide meals for up to a week, a donation of £35 for a family parcel and £25 for a couple or single person is recommended.
For more information on Switch Up and the Nottingham School of Boxing visit https://www.marcellusbaz.co.uk.