Hundreds of donations for Portsmouth harvest to help families in need

Churches, schools and libraries have collected bags full of tins of tomatoes, packets of pasta and cans of beans to be donated to food banks across the city as part of Portsmouth’s Citywide Harvest, With Thankful Hearts, to help those who have been affected by the Covid-19 outbreak and those who are in need of support.

Father Bob White said: ‘We really wanted to continue the community spirit that people had in lockdown and make sure that people were getting the extra help they needed.

‘At St Mary’s we collected 30 to 40 bags and although we haven’t had a final count, from speaking with other churches, the public has been very generous.

‘The schools were also involved and it was really important that we shared the message with the children about harvest and helping others.

‘In the assemblies I have held the children have really taken on board the fact that what they donate will really help someone in need.’

The donated items will now be distributed food banks and other charities who would normally be supported at Harvest festivals and surplus items will be stored centrally by the Hive to be given to organisations as need arises.

St Mary's Church donated its collections to the Roberts Centre, an organisation that supports children and families.

Chief executive Carole Damper said: ‘Everyone who has donated an item to the appeal has positively touched the life of another and there really is no achievement that you could aspire to higher than that.

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‘At the Roberts Centre we are fortunate to be able to pass on your gifts and to see the thanks and joy on the faces of the recipients. Thank you for your kindness.’

The organisations involved in the harvest include churches of all denominations in Portsmouth, the Roberts Centre, Portsmouth City Council, Hive Portsmouth, and The News.

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