The Salvation Army in Cross Street received a generous donation from Shildon County Councillors, Henry Nicholson and Trish Pemberton, on Thursday 22nd October.
The cheque, for a grand total of £2,449, was taken from the elected members’ neighbourhood budget and given to the charity in aid of their kitchen and food bank services.
Major Linda Watson, who heads the charity in Shildon, was delighted to receive the bountiful sum which will now go towards improving the kitchen.
The money has so far helped update the fridge and cooker to new and improved stainless steel industrial versions and the Salvation Army are confident that the benefactors, who contributed half the amount each, will now set the pace for further improvements.
“I am delighted to help such a worthwhile organisation,” said Cllr Trish Pemberton minutes after presenting the cheque to the charity, an event coordinated by the Area Action Partnership (AAP).
“Any organisation that focuses on helping people in the community who suffer from isolation and infirmity is one that is fantastic to support,” she said.
“May the people of Shildon use the new kitchen for many years to come,” added Cllr Henry Nicholson.
In related news, the Salvation Army is looking for donations of food and cleaning products to give to those in want of such items.
Food is an essential but it is often overlooked that people in need of charity also lack basic hygiene products.
There is also an opportunity to donate new, unwrapped toys to gift to unfortunate children who would otherwise be empty-handed on Christmas Day.
The toys will be amassed during the Salvation Army’s Christingle Toy Service, which is on Sunday 29th November at 6pm and takes the form of a fun carol service. Christmas toy donations can be made up to the 29th, but there is still an opportunity to make a child’s Christmas after the toy service.
Cleaning product and food donations are always welcome.
A luncheon club starting at 12.30pm on a Thursday is also on offer at the Salvation Army, with lunch purchased at an affordable £3. To book a place, call 01388 777358 or 01388 664277.
The Salvation Army Food Bank is open on Monday from 2-4pm and Thursday 10am-2pm.
Shildon & District's local community newspaper.
