With Christmas fast approaching, we asked volunteers at Brixton Foodbank what it all means for them…
Becky Blackwell:
Saturday Stockroom Volunteer
I joined the Brixton foodbank about three months ago. My sister and brother in-law had been serving with their two children and had had to stop so I knew there was a need for more hands. I think it can be easy to get compassion fatigue when you see how much need there is in the world, you can feel overwhelmed and not really know how to help, or be unsure that your money really does make a difference. It is different with foodbank. I love knowing that when I help out I am immediately sure of the impact and know that people might feel a bit better and hopefully know that their community really does care for them. Even just donating food or money to it, you know it is helping people who could live next door to you.
I work in the stock room and try to keep it really quick and efficient, putting what are hopefully nice options together, or if people have donated treats I always try to make sure families with children get some sweets or biscuits as well as the basics that we provide. I find it one of the most rewarding things I do, and seeing the generosity of people in West Norwood and Brixton is really encouraging.
Charlie Cooper:
Saturday Stockroom Volunteer
I volunteer at the Brixton foodbank one Saturday out of three. It’s not much, but it means a lot to me to help neighbours who have fallen on difficult times, if only in a small way. I load up the food packages and keep the shelves stocked. It’s cheering to be able to hand over something that’s going to make a big difference to someone, but it’s a simple thing really – I see it as a favour for a neighbour.
I came across the food bank network through my work as a journalist for The Independent. Having reported on a hunger crisis on my own doorstep, I felt I had to do my bit to help.
If things weren’t so tough at the moment, most of the people who come to the foodbank wouldn’t need to. I think the Prime Minister and his Cabinet should spend some time at Brixton foodbank – and have a long hard think about their priorities.
Beth Langham:
Tuesday Welcome Team
I see my role volunteering for the foodbank as a great opportunity to engage with my local community. Essentially I work to make each client feel welcomed and hope that I can get an insight into their lives, through this I am getting to know the issues that our local community are facing. I have the opportunity to help where I can through suggesting other local agencies or charities that can help, and as a Christian I can also offer prayer, which I believe is meaningful and powerful. I have learnt so much through working at the foodbank, and I feel privileged to come into contact with so many amazing people because of it.
Jon Taylor: Brixton Foodbank Manager
I first joined as a volunteer for the foodbank eighteen months ago, when “Brixton Churches Together” established a local distribution point. I couldn’t quite believe there was a need for one in 21st-Century Britain, but any misconceptions soon vanished as I listened to countless stories of hopelessness and despair. It’s hard not to have compassion when you are confronted with such hardship, and the words of Jesus “Love one another. As I have loved you” encourage me further to serve those in need.
Christmas is one of my favourite times of year, drinking mulled wine, spending time with old friends and family, exchanging presents, or watching James Stewart in “It’s a Wonderful Life”. That film poignantly reminds me that Christmas is also about helping the community with the hero, George Bailey, giving all his own money to those in crisis. How can we “love one another” in our community this Christmas? This is the challenge to us all.
