ExCo
The Scouts, aged 11 to 14, spent two days gathering donations from their families and the local community as part of their Community Impact badge. On November 29, they delivered the donations to Tesco Extra on Savile Street. They then spent the morning volunteering at the collection point, handing out leaflets, speaking to shoppers, packing items at the tills and sorting donations ready to be taken back to the foodbank.
Hassan Ali, one of the scouts, said the project was an important learning experience: “This is a great opportunity to help out in the community and to recognise that there are people who need help. We’re helping raise awareness.” Abdulsamee added: “We’re doing this because we want to help the community and give what we can to the people who really need it.”
Tricia, from Burngreave Foodbank, praised the group : “It was great to have the Scouts helping with the Burngreave Foodbank collection. They arrived with trolleys full of food to start with! They all participated enthusiastically with giving out leaflets, asking people to donate food, packing at the tills and sorting and loading up the food. They were well behaved and lovely to work with. Thank you so much to all of them and their leaders for their support.”
Leader Aysha said: “We’re really proud of our Scouts. Taking part in this project has helped them understand the reality of food insecurity and the important work foodbanks do. It’s shown them that even small acts of kindness can make a big difference.”
Winter can be a tough time for many families, with rising heating costs and stretched budgets. Foodbanks often see demand increase at the same time. Even small donations, a tin of food, a packet of biscuits or a bottle of shampoo can make a real difference. The Scouts hope their project encourages others to support foodbanks during what can be a challenging time for many households.
5. Contributed
39th Sheffield proudly display the food they collected to support local families. Photo: Submitted