MOTHER'S DAY CRISIS APPEAL: Sheffield foodbank calls for donations of women's toiletry products and treats

That’s why Burngreave Foodbank, part of The Trussell Trust network, has launched an appeal to ensure that local mums needing help get a little something extra this year.

Every week Burngreave Foodbank sees women struggling to afford food, let alone expensive items like nappies and sanitary products.  As Mother’s Day approaches, the charity is calling for donations of shampoo, sanitary products, nappies, shower gel and toothpaste to help local women and their children. 

On Mother’s Day last year Lydia, a mum who was referred to a Trussell Trust foodbank after being made redundant from her job in a solicitor’s office, said,

“Every mother wants the best for their children and teaches them that in our society if you work hard, you can achieve anything. I’ve always taught my son that. But how can I look him in the eye and tell him everything’s going to be okay when there’s no way I can promise that? Mother’s Day used to be a time when my son would thank me for being a good mum. But now I can’t say I really want to celebrate it. I feel like I have really let my boy down.”

Rachel Snow, Foodbank Manager said: “Every day at the foodbank we meet mums from across Sheffield who share heart-breaking stories about the difficulties they face to put food on their children’s plates. No mum should feel like they have let their children down because something outside their control, like illness or an unexpected bill, has thrown the family into crisis– that’s why we give not only emergency food but also compassionate support and hope when people are referred to us.

“When you’re struggling to afford food, you’re often struggling to afford other basics like loo roll, shampoo and women’s sanitary products too. Perhaps unsurprisingly, toiletries are not the first thing most people think of when they’re donating to a foodbank, but they do make a huge difference in restoring some normality when you’re at the point of crisis. Whatever you are able to give this Mother’s Day will help local mums who are struggling to know that there are people who care. Thank you for your kindness.”

Adrian Curtis, Foodbank Network Director of The Trussell Trust added: “It’s surprising how much hope something small can bring – we hear of mums overwhelmed by the kindness of local people who have donated shower gel, nappies, sanitary products or a little chocolate. Foodbanks work hard to provide more than food, because people tell us that when you’re facing crisis it’s the little things, like a gift of shampoo or a small box of chocolates, which can help make you feel human again.”  

Anyone interested in helping the foodbank to support a local mum facing hunger can make a financial donation here https://burngreave.foodbank.org.uk/give-help/donate-money or drop off donations at the collection point at either Tesco Extra, Savile Street, Burngreave or Tesco Metro, Berkeley Precinct, Ecclesall Road S11.