Festive food bank schemes launched in East Lancashire (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Festive food bank schemes launched in East Lancashire

5:00pm Friday 23rd November 2012 in News By Peter Magill, Chief reporter

DONATIONS of food parcels by generous families are set to provide festive cheer to deserving households across East Lancashire.

An appeal has been launched by Nelson Town Council chairman Eileen Ansar with local Beavers, Rainbows, Scouts and Guides, to collect yuletide bundles.

Coun Ansar, who also represents Clover Hill on Pendle Council, will be working with St Phillip’s Rainbows, Brownies and Guides, St John’s Guides, Brownies and Beavers and Cubs from St Phillip’s and St John’s.

She said: “We are looking to collect 100 parcels in total. We wanted to work with closely with all these organisations so the youngsters could really get behind the work.”

Before the parcels are distributed, discussions will take place with the likes of the Salvation Army and Pendle’s Grassroots centre over likely recipients.

And councillors and town hall officials in Blackburn with Darwen have donated £117 and donated dozens of foodstuffs to the town’s food bank at their November meeting.

Mayor Coun Zamir Khan was behind the collection drive for the food bank, which is run by the Trussell Trust. Coun Khan said: “There was cross-party support for this collection and I just want to thank all members and chief officers who donated.”

Food parcels are handed out to deserving causes following recommendations from care experts such as social workers, health workers and volunteers.

Donations for the Nelson appeal can be left at Coun Ansar’s store, Slick Clothing, in Manchester Road, Nelson, or via any of the various brownie and scout packs. She can also be contacted on 07890 549040.