Plea to boost Salisbury Pantry stocks with 'Bring a Tin to Work Day'

The third annual collection's being held in the city on December 6th

Author: Faye TryhornPublished 11th Oct 2024

Local businesses, schools, clubs, and groups across Salisbury are being called upon to help families in need ahead of the Christmas season.

The third annual ‘Bring a Tin to Work Day’ is being held on Friday 6th December.

That'll boost stocks for the Salisbury Pantry, which supports nearly 350 families locally, who might be struggling with the festive big shop during the cost of living crisis.

The service is extending its opening hours during December to cope with rising demand.

Tinned, packaged and festive food items will be collected, with the aim for each person taking part to bring in one item on the day to help others.

Some of the donations collected during last year's Bring a Tin to Work Day

Volunteer Sharon Chandler came up with the idea for the project in 2022, after learning about the challenges Salisbury Pantry was facing:

“I first heard about the pantry when the manager became really emotional about trying to bring the food they needed in week after week. This was at a time when they had to put new registrations on hold because food stocks were so low.

“Then I came up with the idea of ‘Bring a Tin to Work’. I thought that the start of December would be the ideal time, when demand is so high, to try to help families have a better Christmas. I am really excited this year and want to help more people than ever!”

Salisbury City Council staff and a team of volunteers from the Pantry and Radio Odstock will be picking up all the collections around the city.

You can sign up your business, school or sports club to take part online. |newtab)

Abi Blake, Pantry Manager, said:

“Demand goes up every December, especially from families. For those of us lucky enough not to have to worry about how we will buy presents or Christmas dinner it is fantastic to be able to help those hit by the cost-of-living crisis to manage their day-to-day costs with a low-cost Pantry shop. Everyone should be able to enjoy this special time of year.

“This Christmas we can take donations of any tinned or packaged food that is in-date like cereal, tinned meat or fish, rice and welcome Christmas staples like stuffing, Christmas puddings and chocolate treats.”

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