A CHURCH will be able to hand out hundreds more boxes of hope following a £10,000 Covid grant from the borough council.

Gorse Hill Baptist Church started delivering food, toys and toiletries for families in lockdown after it was give £200 by the charity Transforming Lives for Good and volunteers have already given more than 600 packages.

Now the Boxes of Hope project has been given the cash from the council and a £500 donation from Tesco to continue toe effort.

Coordinator Heather Prictor from Stratton said: “It’s needed by lots of families. There are lots of financial pressures at the moment so we’re trying to work with professionals to get the food where it is needed and we can target the families that need it.

“Based on what we heard with Marcus Rashford’s campaign and people trying to help to feed children, lots of councillors are doing something so there has been a good response from all the borough.

Heather, 56, was a manager of a children’s mental health service. But as a result of the pandemic she is currently unable work, so she decided to volunteer with the scheme.

“We have continued with our project with the support and generosity of our church members who have given both practically and financially,” she told the Adver.

“A resident donated £250 recently to the project so it’s been absolutely amazing and it’s really taken off. I have been amazed at people’s support.

“Throughout the winter we will have teams of volunteers shopping, food packing and labelling so it’s handwritten to give it that personalised touch. So far, it’s been a fabulous job done by everyone.

The Church is going even further with its support and is now offering meals for pensioners in their homes on Tuesdays every week.

She explained: “We’re delivering a frozen meal to the elderly so we’re extending the support we’re providing. We’re also providing finance support and working with Christians Against Poverty to cover any other issues that may come about, so we’re looking ahead at ways to help people.

“This is very topical. Despite what the government voted, we’re here delivering the bags of food. So people need to be aware we’re here, ready to help throughout lockdown and winter.”

She added the group was grateful for all the donations and support it had already received from the public.

Anyone who is struggling, knows someone who would benefit or wants to donate can contact boxesofhope@ghbc.org.uk