How Chesterfield firms can join company’s Christmas appeal for town foodbank

Until December 16, Bridge Help is inviting local firms to drop off donations of new and unopened packs of biscuits, chocolates, crisps, mince pies and Christmas cakes and puddings at its offices on Old Brick Works Lane off Sheffield Road.

MORE: How Arcadia Group’s story started in Chesterfield

Finance business Bridge Help will match all donations of luxuries with essential food, including cereal, long life milk and tinned goods, and then deliver everything to the Chesterfield Foodbank warehouse in Sheepbridge in time for Christmas.

Chris Sellars, chief executive of Bridge Help, said: “The team and I really wanted to support a charity this Christmas.

“Given the current economic climate and the predicament many people now find themselves in because of job loss, Chesterfield Foodbank was the obvious choice for us all.

“As well as taking care of the necessities, we think it’s important to extend the spirit of Christmas by donating some small luxuries as well.”

Chris explained the decision to offer up Bridge Help as a dropping off point for donations from the business community.

He said: “With so many businesses working remotely, we hope we can help with their charitable efforts in the community this year by offering Bridge Help as a central dropping point for everyone who’d like to make a donation to Chesterfield Foodbank.”

Chesterfield Foodbank thanked everyone for their support.

A spokesperson said: “In Chesterfield the number of people we have been feeding has increased over the last couple of months.

“If you need our help, please call Citizens Advice on 0300 456 8437 between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday and they can provide you a voucher you can use to collect food from our centres.

“You can also contact us directly via www.chesterfield.foodbank.org.uk/get-help/selfreferral.”

Chesterfield Foodbank is part of the Trussell Trust, which expects a 61 per cent increase in the number of food parcels needed this winter.

To ensure a Covid-secure and socially-distanced donation, Bridge Help is inviting people to phone them in advance and arrange to leave items outside the door.

A member of the team will collect the donation and store it safely until they make the drop off at Chesterfield Food Bank

To make a donation, call Phoebe Sellars, of Bridge Help, on 0333 303 4681.

MORE: Chesterfield musician releases Christmas single to raise much-needed cash for charities

Editor’s message

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription at www.localsubsplus.co.uk or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.