Coronavirus: Appeal for help as charity describes foodbank being like a 'military field hospital'

A CHARITY has made a desperate appeal for donations and volunteers as the coronavirus hits an already vulnerable former mining community.
East Durham Trust has described their foodbank as being “like a military field hospital” as demand has trebled overnight because of the Covid-19 virus.
The Peterlee-based trust is hoping that public donations will help them meet the surge in demand caused by people having to self-isolate who are self-employed or are on zero hour contracts.
Since Monday the trust has already supported crisis food parcels to almost 200 people – a total that is unprecedented even at times of financial crisis such as Christmas and school holidays.

With schools due to close this Friday pressure on the trust’s services will massively increase in the coming days.
The charity is appealing to everyone in the local area to consider food banks at this difficult time and buy additional items were possible.
This includes any non-perishable food but particularly long life UHT milk, cereal, tinned meat, fish and vegetables and pasta sauces as well as bread.
Additionally East Durham Trust is requesting that those who can volunteer their time to support meeting the demand get in touch with their availability. They are particularly interested in volunteers with access to a vehicle.
Malcolm Fallow, chief executive of East Durham Trust has said. “Our foodbank has turned into something resembling a military field hospital and we are concerned that demand will outstrip supply.”
Anyone wanting to donate food can bring donations directly to Community House (Yoden Road, Peterlee, SR8 5DP) or use the donation basket Asda Peterlee.
You can also donate online by visiting http://bit.ly/DonateEDT.