Key to Life Foodbank has launched its annual Harvest Appeal calling on the community to come together to support local families and individuals in need during this crucial season.
Like last year, the appeal takes a two-pronged approach:
- Traditional Harvest Giving – Schools, churches, and community groups are once again invited to collect non-perishable food, continuing the long-standing tradition of harvest generosity.
- Halloween-Themed Campaign: ‘Donate if You Dare’ – Throughout October, residents, businesses, and neighbourhood groups are invited to scare hunger away with spooky-themed collections and fundraising activities, from reverse trick-or-treating and bake sales to Halloween parties and monster quizzes.
“As the cost of living continues to impact families, there are still many who need our support,” said Jo Benham Brown, business and communities manager at Key Community. “Our Harvest Appeal is vital in helping us restock supplies that have run low over the summer, especially with children at home during the holidays to ensure no one in our community goes hungry this winter. Whether you’re a school collecting tins, a church hosting a harvest service, or someone who loves Halloween, we need your help to scare hunger away.”
To raise awareness, the foodbank will also be sharing some of the shocking poverty statistics that ‘scare us senseless’ across social media, along with a few fangtastically funny Halloween howlers, a reminder that while food insecurity is no laughing matter, together the community can make a big difference.
How to Donate
- Non-perishable food, toiletries, household and baby essentials: Drop off at Key to Life, inside Boldon Lane Library (NE34 0LZ), open Monday to Friday, 10am–4pm, or to the collection point on board our Key Community Bus. Please get in touch to arrange a school/church/workplace/neighbourhood collection.
- Financially:
- Online:keycommunity.org.uk/donate
- By text: Text SCARE to 70085 to donate £5. Texts will cost the donation amount plus one standard network rate message.
- By cheque:Please make payable to ‘Key Community’ and post to: Key Community, 116 Baring Street, South Shields, NE33 2BA.
- By bank transfer: Please transfer to ‘Key Community’ at Unity Trust Bank, Sort code: 60-83-01, Account no: 20071815.
Key to Life is happy to arrange school/church/workplace collections, provide internal comms materials, and offer letters of thanks or CSR recognition. Staff will be pleased to deliver a talk or arrange a visit to engage employees/students around the real-life impact of your company/school’s support.
Contact Key to Life Foodbank:
- Phone: 07833 613 393
- Facebook: DM @KeytoLifeFoodbank
- Email: keytolifest@gmail.com
For more information about Key to Life’s Halloween Appeal: keycommunity.org.uk/halloween-appeal