Coventry volunteers packing thousands of Easter food parcels for local children in need
3,100 parcels are being packed by University of Warwick students
Last updated 26th Mar 2021
Throughout the week commencing 22nd March, local people from across Coventry are coming together to pack 3,100 Easter care parcels for local children in need.
The special parcels, which will be packed by the volunteers according to current government guidelines, will then be delivered to children in need across the city during the Easter holidays.
The breakfast parcels will include breakfast items for a minimum of four days, two toys – including frisbees, ring flyers and tennis balls, an Easter egg, as well as a selection of essential long-life food items.
The initiative has been organised by local charity Feed The Hungry, in partnership with Coventry City Council who received funding through the Department of Education’s HAF fund (Holiday, Activities and Food Programme 2021.
Volunteers from both the University of Warwick Business School and University of Warwick amongst others, will pack parcels at the newly-named The Halo Centre – home of both Coventry Foodbank and Feed The Hungry.
From Monday 29th March all the ready-to-go, packaged food parcels will then be distributed through 17 hubs across the city, including local churches and organisations. Families will be able to collect their parcels at different times and days across the city between the 29th March to the 1st April.
Gavin Kibble, Regional Operations Director of Feed The Hungry, and Founder of Coventry Foodbank, said: “Giving help to those facing hardship and hunger in Coventry cannot be done through one charity or organisation. Partnering with Coventry City Council, and having this wonderful, caring army of local heroes and volunteers behind this initiative means we can bring transformation to our communities and give hope to those who need it.
"We hope these parcels help the immediate needs for many children, but also hope they carry a message that tells that child they are significant and loved this Easter.”
Throughout the week of the 22nd March, every day 24 volunteers have been set up and appropriately spaced across two production lines, as they work to achieve this target.
Gavin said: “Before lockdown, our ‘packing parties’ were a great opportunity for organisations and businesses to come together to build their team and invest in the community.
"The pandemic has made us realise the importance of working together for the good of our city, and I’m so grateful for the organisations that are joining us this Easter. Our hope is to provide similar parcels throughout the Summer Holidays and half term breaks.”
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