A village appeal to encourage people to support their local food bank during the season of Lent has been hailed such a success – it will continue for the foreseeable future.
Members of Acomb Methodist Church launched the scheme at the beginning of Lent, on 2nd March, with a red coloured collection bin placed outside the chapel, in aid of the Hexham-based West Northumberland Food Bank.
Churchgoers and other community folk were asked to give whatever they could, from canned and other non-perishable foods, to other essentials such as toiletries.
On Good Friday, 15th April, a service took place in the chapel to give thanks for the items collected.
The Chapel LINK newsletter, sharing news from Acomb Methodist Church, reported that due to the success of the scheme, the red bin will remain outside the chapel for the foreseeable future.
It added: "A big thank you to everyone within the village who kindly supported the Acomb Lent 2022 Appeal by donating to the food bank.
"Rev Gareth included a time of prayer and thanksgiving for all food received over the weeks at the beginning of the special service of Reflection on the evening of Good Friday.
"Following such a generous response – we're able to retain the food bank red bin as a permanent Acomb collection point for the time being – with West Northumberland Food Bank collecting the contents on a weekly basis.
"If you're able – please continue to give what you can / when you can! It really is both needed and very much appreciated."
If you would like to receive a PDF version of Acomb's Chapel LINK newsletter, email Joseph Tulip via joseph.tulip@tynedalemethcircuit.org and he will notify the editorial team.