A community initiative which helps residents in need will have been open for a whole year next month.

It was December 1 in 2022 when a band of kind-hearted volunteers started up the Loaves and Fishes Pantry Shop in Alfreton which provides discounted food for those struggling during the current cost of living crisis.

The pantry, which is based at Alfreton Christian Centre in Hall Street, is open weekly on Thursdays between 10am and 12pm.

One of the five volunteers who helps run the initiative is Danielle Burton. She explained to the Spirit of Alfreton how the scheme works to help those in need: “It’s £1 for a year’s membership and £3 per bag (a bag equals 10 items). The amount of bags a household is allowed to have depends on family size.

“We offer long life foods and hygiene items.

“We are run independently but in conjunction with Alfreton Churches Together Serving to help those in need during this current cost of living crisis.”

Danielle continued: “We charge a small fee from our customers as we just don’t get the donations to cover the demand.

“Donations can be left at Alfreton Christian Centre during Pantry opening times or on Wednesdays between 2pm and 4pm. They can also be taken to the Pamper Hut on Mansfield Road in Alfreton or to Grandma’s Kitchen on Town Street in Pinxton.”

Money raised by the pantry shop is used to buy some items but the initiative relies heavily on donations from the public.

Danielle said: “We are currently in need of cereal/cereal bars, porridge, coffee, tea, soup, tinned meat, tuna, tinned fruit, tinned tomatoes, pasta, packet noodles and shower gel.

“Anything is very gratefully received, even if it’s just a few items.”

Meanwhile, a Fundraising Christmas Quiz is being hosted in aid of the Loaves and Fishes Pantry Shop on Saturday, December 9.

Starting at 7.30pm, the festive fun evening will take place at Alfreton Christian Centre.

It is £5 per person admission and there will be refreshments on offer. Teams of up to six are welcome, but booking is required.

Contact Danielle by calling 07774 040897 or emailing xdanielle2011x@yahoo.co.uk to book a team.

Anyone wishing to further support the Loaves and Fishes Pantry Shop, maybe through donations and/or volunteering, they can find out more at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100092464560421

Are you running a kind-hearted initiative in Alfreton and/or surrounding areas? Tell Us Your News at https://alfreton.spiritof.uk/tell-us-your-news/ or by emailing our Editor Belinda at editor@spiritof.uk