A foodbank in Lancaster has marked its 20th anniversary of helping people around our local area.
The Olive Branch Christian charity, based at White Cross, Lancaster, distributes food parcels to people who are struggling.
It was founded in November 2004, when a group of volunteers from different churches came together to serve a weekly free meal to those who needed it. This was funded by charitable giving and supported by Lancaster Free Methodist Church (now renamed Hope Church).
From November 2004 to March 2008 over 2,300 free meals were served to approximately 20 to 30 guests each week.
Recognising that much more was needed, The Olive Branch became a registered charity in September 2006. It now distributes hundreds of parcels per month.
In recent years, The Olive Branch has been based on Westbourne Road in Lancaster but moved to the White Cross in 2023. It is now located at Unit 8-0-1, Harpers Mill.
The centre offers daytime support to anyone who is in need, offering a listening ear on issues such as housing, debt, budgeting, addiction, homelessness or mental health, while also signposting people to other charities and organisations where appropriate.
A post on The Olive Branch Facebook page said: "We’ve had a special week of celebrations for The Olive Branch’s 20th anniversary.
"It’s been a time of thanksgiving, sharing The Olive Branch’s story and how our service has developed and grown to be what it is today - so much more than a food bank, a place where anyone can come to talk about what they are going through and be listened to, with Jesus’ love at the heart of all conversations, practical and signposting support."
Councillor Sam Riches, pictured below with foodbank manager Leslie Mann, visited The Olive Branch on behalf of the mayor of Lancaster, to help celebrate the 20th anniversary.
"It was a privilege to meet some of their team and hear about their vital work to support people in need in our local area, and to celebrate with a beautiful Polish cheesecake made by one of their volunteers," said Councillor Riches.
"Congratulations on all those years of service!"
The Olive Branch has also launched its Christmas appeal, so they can give out bags of festive treats to their guests from December 2.
If you can donate the following items, please can you make sure they reach the Olive Branch by December 10, allowing enough time to pack gift bags so that every guest who visits in the weeks leading up to Christmas can receive one:
Christmas cake, mince pies, Christmas puddings, Christmas crackers, biscuit boxes, chocolates, crisps, nuts, new toiletries, new children's toys, non-alcoholic drinks and coffee.
For more information on how to donate food to The Olive Branch, become a volunteer, or receive help, see the website here.
Read more: INTERVIEW: Foodbank in Lancaster launches Christmas appeal - Beyond Radio
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