Families in Amber Valley who were facing a difficult Christmas have received some festive cheer thanks to a local charity and kind-hearted staff from a Denby IT firm.
Axess Systems, which is based in Denby Hall Business Centre, have been collecting food for their local Salvation Army, who will package up the goodies and deliver them to almost 170 families living in Ripley and the surrounding area.
James Walker, marketing executive for Axess Systems, said: “Everyone at Axess – staff, clients and their families – have kindly donated food such as tinned products, tea, coffee and UHT milk, which has been delivered to the Salvation Army in Heath Road, Ripley.
“The food parcels will make a huge difference at this time of year, when many feel isolated or alone.”
Callum Thompson, minister of the Salvation Army in Ripley and Somercotes, said: “We have had to increase our capacity over the past two years due to the pandemic, as the demand has increased.
“Almost 170 families in Amber Valley will receive food parcels from the Salvation Army and 300 children will also receive a large, a medium and a small toy plus a colouring book, a reading book and a teddy. We’re extremely grateful for the donations we receive and would like to say thank you to Axess Systems for their goods.”
The Salvation Army food bank runs throughout the year, with around 600 people benefitting. They also hand out ‘starter packs’ for those leaving foster care, which include cutlery, cleaning products and toiletries.
Callum added: “Before the pandemic, we operated as a drop-off service and as well as donations of food and essentials, people also appreciated our time and knowledge of other services from which they could benefit.
“Unfortunately, due to Covid, that has had to change; we now operate a booking service and take referrals from organisations such as Futures Housing, Amber Valley Borough Council, the local job centre and addiction services.
“It’s a 365 day service and we appreciate all the help we can get. We’re grateful that, thanks to kind-hearted people like the staff at Axess Systems, we can help bring a little festive cheer to people in our area this Christmas.”
