Residents at Westgate House visited St Mary’s Church to donate essential food and household items collected through their appeal for Wallingford Emergency Food Bank.

Residents at the Wallingford care home led the collection. St Mary’s Church, which facilitates the food bank, is well known in the community and many residents have attended services there. Through the collection, residents and employees at the care home came together to help meet the rising needs of the local community, particularly as winter approaches. The collection included tinned foods, cereals, and other necessities, all aimed at assisting Wallingford families who may be struggling.

Daniela Midwinter, Westgate House Home Manager, said: “It’s been incredibly inspiring to see our residents’ generosity and enthusiasm. Giving back to the community is something very important to them, and it’s wonderful that they chose St Mary’s Church, a place filled with memories for many of our residents. This effort reflects the spirit of kindness that we value here at Westgate House.”

Residents Barbara Keep and Edna Hardy along with Marie Hazell, Activities Co-ordinator, Lisa Goddard, Bursar, and Helen Dearing, Regional Marketing Manager, visited St Mary’s Church to deliver the collected items. After the donation handover they enjoyed a cup of coffee at the church’s café and took time to reflect on the experience. 

Edna said: “It was lovely to come out to the church and hand over the donations we’ve been collecting throughout the month. We gathered quite a few items to support the Wallingford community, and I’m really pleased. It was nice to hand them over in person and have a coffee together.”

Wendy Muggeridge, PCC Secretary at St Mary’s Church, who accepted the donations on behalf of the Food Bank, said: “St Mary’s Church is very pleased to accept these donations on behalf of the Wallingford Emergency Food Bank. Please extend our thanks to everyone who contributed. The number of families we support continues to grow, and as we move into winter this support is more crucial than ever.”

This collaboration highlights the deep connections between Westgate House and the Wallingford community, as well as local compassion and giving during challenging times.

To find out more about OSJCT Westgate House, please visit osjct.co.uk/westgatehouse or call 0800 988 8133.