Leader, Cllr Chris Hossack with donations

Brentwood Borough Council held its Festive Can in a Van on Friday December 4 at Sainsbury’s and Marks & Spencer where generous residents’ donations filled the van and 59 large boxes. The donations ranged from cleaning supplies to tinned meat and fruit together with Christmas gifts of mince pies, crackers and sweets. Volunteers from the council, the CVS, Lighthouse and Brentwood Mutual Aid spent the day taking the donations and thanking shoppers for their kindness.

Chair of Community & Health Committee, Cllr Cliff Poppy said; “It was an amazing turnout and I want to thank all those who took the time and a bit extra our of their shopping to help build up the supplies in the Community Hubs. Our residents are always the first to step up and help out when asked but this time they have outdone themselves. These items are much needed by many families and individuals around the borough. The Community Hubs does a wonderful job of supporting all those who need an extra hand and this year has been one of the hardest the borough has had to face in its history. The volunteers stood in the rain and carried on and the staff at Sainsbury’s and Marks & Spencer went beyond the call of duty to help make this initiative so successful.”

The donations are now at the Hub at the Town Hall where they are being sorted in line with Covid-19 regulations. The donations will then be distributed through the borough to ensure they get to those that need them this winter. Further donations can be made at the Town Hall where there are large metal cages to the left of the main building where items can be dropped off.