Goldthorpe church says thanks for Harvest donations as two-child limit bites

Goldthorpe Salvation Army has thanked the community for Harvest donations which helped provide nappies for families struggling with high costs. 

Parents, particularly those impacted by the two-child benefit limit, which restricts welfare payments to a maximum of two children per family, have been turning to the church and charity in particular need of baby items. 

Church leader Territorial Envoy Alison Sykes said local schools had rallied round to provide items for their annual Harvest collection, with members of the public also donating money and fresh fruit and vegetables. 

Alison, who is supported by Community Programme Co-ordinator Jackie Kenning and a fantastic team of volunteers, said: “Harvest is about giving and showing gratitude, so we really do want to show our gratitude to all that gave to us this year. We had about 10 schools collect items, which was amazing. 

“We’ve had a lot of monetary donations via our website, so again I want to say thank you to everyone who helped us. We know that times are tough so to have people reaching out to others even when they are feeling the pinch themselves is a huge help. 

“What I asked for for Harvest this year was nappies, and we’ve now got what I’m describing as a Nappy Bank because of the increase in families asking for them. This is due to the cost of living, but we’ve noticed people talking more about how they are struggling because of the two-child benefit limit. 

“It feels very unjust to have a child suffer because they were born into a larger family, or to have parents having to skip meals because they are being pushed into poverty by it, but that is the reality of the impact of this policy.” 

The church has also been able to provide fresh fruit and vegetables that people have been growing in their gardens and allotments, as well as in the Goldthorpe church’s own garden, meaning they can add fresh and healthy produce to food parcels. 

However, they are warning that the need is so high that they are still left with empty fridges and freezers. 

Alison added: “As soon as items come in, they are distributed out so we are often faced with empty fridges and freezers which does cause us worry. If you can donate to us, please do get in touch. We are in need of items like fresh milk, cheese, butter and yoghurts.”

Not only providing food, Goldthorpe Salvation Army has also been collecting coats which are distributed to families for free. 

Alison said: “We have a coat rack with coats for children and adults to ensure that people can keep warm this winter. Coats are one of the most expensive things to buy so this has become a lifeline for many families.” 

You can donate to Goldthorpe Salvation Army here