‘Churches Together' in Cleckheaton celebrated Easter this year by opening a Foodbank and offering a full range of services to local people struggling due to Covid 19.
PCC Secretary of St Luke the Evangelist’s Church, Cleckheaton, Josie Pugsley explained their initiative:
“As the Covid-19 situation in Cleckheaton began to impact local people it became clear that many people needed help and support.
“I talked to Brunel James the vicar at St Luke’s and discussed what we could do to help people (Revd Brunel pictured with Arif Ahmed of the Batley Foodbank).
“Brunel was talking to Ray Borrett of Cleckheaton Methodist church who we work with as part of Cleckheaton Churches Together and with local councillors and Acts 435 and we’ve set up a pop-up food bank, and are also doing shopping for local people that are shielding.
Josie thanked all those involved: “It’s been very challenging bring all these parts together, but everyone has been brilliant, so many lovely volunteers have been helping and donating. In these challenging times people really appreciate the help and enjoy the feeling of being helpful.”
Cash and food have been provided by local people, including the President of the local Chamber of Trade and Commerce, the local Rotary Club and Batley Foodbank.
The situation has also brought different faith communities together, with a major donation coming from the Ahmadiyya Muslim Women’s Association in the Spen Valley, pictured with staff at the local Morrisons store.
The foodbank is not open to drop in clients - the services offered work through doorstep delivery by volunteers to maintain social distancing.
Two short video interviews, one with Revd Brunel, and one with local Councillor John Lawson, can be found here and here.