Coalition of community groups deliver 600 food packages a week to struggling households

Since the COVID-19 pandemic began in March, the Drumcree Community Trust asked for volunteers and support from community groups across the North West Portadown Network.

Hundreds of families who are shielding or struggling due to the Coronavirus lockdown have benefitted from the parcels as well as a listening ears of volunteers.

Stepping up to the plate was Obins Street Community Association, Garvaghy and Churchill Community Association along with other individual members of the wider community.

A spokesperson said: “Since the lock down was announced on 24th March, we have been supporting households from the area who have had to shield to protect themselves and families and those who are struggling due to the current pandemic.

“Up to 250/300 households have been receiving personal care and food packages as well as phone calls to offer support to those who maybe be living alone or feeling isolated during these times.

“While we have been working away sorting food packages (that’s 500/600 deliveries going out each week) there are a number of individuals who have taken it upon themselves to decide to help raise much needed funds.

“We would like to say a massive thank you to Kieran Mulholland, Frankie Bush, Conan Mac Dughlais, Freya Douglas and Tony McAtee who raised funds to allow us to continue to support those in need,” said the spokesperson.

“We also want to thank all the local business who have donated money/goods and prizes which also hasn’t gone unnoticed, especially McCracken’s Spar and Mayfair Business Centre for their continued support throughout.

“We send our thanks to the entire community as a whole, who have supported us all the way along and no doubt will continue to do so in the days and weeks ahead.

“Finally, the community groups and volunteers would like to pay special thanks to Linda O’Neill and Joanna Breen for all they have been doing day in day out to help with the smooth running of the entire project.

“On Thursday evening Ciaran Tennyson and some of the volunteers got together to show our appreciation for all of our frontline workers, who continue to put themselves out there for the benefit of us all,” said the spokesperson.

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