Salvation Army Reading West hosts community auction to renovate vital kitchen

Every week, a dedicated cook at the Salvation Army’s lunch club in Reading West arrives in the early hours of the morning to prepare meals for the community—all because the oven’s broken thermostat makes cooking a daily challenge. Now, the church is rallying support to replace the faulty appliance with a special fundraising auction on 26 April, 3pm at the church hall on Oxford Road.  

Portia Stirling Mack, leader of the Salvation Army at Reading West says the fundraiser isn’t about an appliance – it’s about sustaining a lifeline for the community.

Portia said, “Our cook struggles every week because the oven doesn’t work properly—she has to start cooking at the crack of dawn just to get meals ready on time. This auction is about making sure she—and the people we serve—have the proper tools to keep this vital community service running. An upgraded kitchen will improve meal quality and variety, it will reduce stress on volunteers and increase our capacity to serve more people.”  

The auction, a beloved tradition at the church, will feature a wide range of donated items, from household goods to unique treasures, all generously given by supporters and local donors. Past auctions have raised between £300-£400, and organisers hope this one will bring in enough to finally upgrade the kitchen.  

There are 58 lots in the auction and some of the items are: wooden speakers; Storage unit for keys; Tower Vortx 9L dual basket air fryer; Cream velvet tasselled footstool with storage; Large wooden two-tier presentation box for watches or jewellery; Saturn 3D puzzle (40 pieces); Casio SK1 sampling keyboard; Keyboard stand; Slazenger tennis rackets; Black velvet clutch bag & purse. 

The Salvation Army in Reading West uses its community kitchen to provide essential meals and support to residents in need. The community kitchen hosts a weekly lunch club – a regular meal service where people can enjoy a hot, nutritious meal in a welcoming environment. The kitchen also prepares meals and food parcels for individuals and families facing food insecurity.

Beyond just food, the kitchen serves as a hub for social connection, combating loneliness and offering a space for fellowship. To learn more about the work of the Salvation Army in Reading West visit their website: Reading West | The Salvation Army.