THE CHRONICLE'S campaign to help keep the elderly and vulnerable warm and fed this winter is still going strong.
Our Surviving Winter appeal, run by charitable trust the Essex Community Foundation (ECF), has raised more than £31,500 so far.
More than £3,000 of that cash – the majority donated by the Chronicle's generous readers – has already been distributed to voluntary organisations, including the Melbourne Project, which tackles a variety of issues on the Chelmsford estate, and the Good Easter Monday Club for pensioners.
The Maldon Food Pantry, which is based at Elim Church in Wantz Road, Maldon and opened nearly two years ago to help anyone who may be struggling to feed themselves or their families, is benefiting from the campaign.
Minister at the church Rob Sefton, said: "People are coming in and saying they can't afford to turn the heating on because they are having to decide between heating and food – and food is more important."
As a result of the Surviving Winter appeal the Food Pantry has received a number of donations from individuals who are willing to give up their own winter fuel allowance to help others.
"We are always trying to top-up food boxes and at the moment we are short of things like sugar and jam and pasta sauce, so that money will be going to purchase stuff like that," said Rob.
"That money is really valuable to us."
To date, the Food Pantry has helped more than 3,000 people in the area.
They are often referred from agencies such as the Citizens' Advice Bureau, although anyone who may be struggling to get by is also welcome to come in off the street.
The Food Pantry provides those in need with three days' worth of non-perishable goods such as dried pasta and coffee, to help tide them over in case of delayed benefit payments or sudden financial pressures.
"One gentleman started last year by setting up a standing order of £50 a month because he's come in and seen the work we have done," said Rob.
"He started off by bringing us food but he soon realised that there was plenty of other stuff we needed the money for."
