Unemployed Sheffield mum has ‘found her calling’ after feeding kids over half term

Still no job prospects in sight, an unemployed Sheffield mum who has been giving out packed lunches to the needy since school's half term, has found her calling.
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Anna Calvello, who is originally from Durham, said she now wants to focus on this "100 per cent" and aims to set up a charity body following overwhelming response from the local community.

"It's so heartwarming to see many people are supporting me especially as I'm not originally from Sheffield," said the 38-year-old who lost her job as a business development technology executive during the pandemic.

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The mother-of-two said her life has been busy since the first deliveries she made during the school's half term, after the Government voted against pleas to extend free school meals to children over the holidays.

Anna and her daughter, Sophie, 8Anna and her daughter, Sophie, 8
Anna and her daughter, Sophie, 8

Her first deliveries included Sheffield S11 areas but she since has expanded her areas of coverage by adding more deprived locations on her list and targeting underprivileged families, instead of just children.

"Last week I delivered food to over 20 families throughout Sheffield on Tuesday and Wednesday.

"I have a lady who is helping me with deliveries now so I can continue cooking for as many families as possible in genuine need," she said.

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Mrs Calvello, who now lives in Ecclesall, said apart from monetary donations, people have also started donating food.

"People are donating cakes, pasta and chicken. This week I'm making a casserole.

"I always do a veggie option each week.

"A lady donated loads of apples so I have someone making apple crumbles for me to hand out with the meals this week.

"I also surprised a family with a Christmas tree and decorations that someone donated," she said.

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With all the support and positive feedback she's been receiving, she has set up a Go Fund Me page, which she has raised almost £800 in just over a week.

"My aim is to reach £5,000 so I can formally register as a charity."

She is also raising funds through a virtual Christmas Carol concert on December 12 on Facebook and Zoom by an opera singer who is also her step sister, Emma Stannard.

Tickets will cost £20 each.