Crosby Soroptimists welcomed Lynne Higgins of Sefton Community Pantry at their latest meeting.
Lynne spoke about the Pantry’s mission – which is simply to support families in times of need. Food hampers, hygiene packs, bedding and essential clothing are at the core of the Pantry’s work. Pastoral staff in local schools refer families and deliver the goods.
This support is at any time of family crisis, including school holidays. Enabling parents to put food on the table or to launder clothes, for example, maintains their dignity, their self-esteem. For vulnerable children there are winter coats and school uniforms. On principle, all clothing and bedding supplied is new.
As Lynne told the Soroptimists, families going through hard times frequently include wage-earners. Circumstances have conspired to tip them into difficulties; there is no ‘typical’ recipient. Sefton Community Pantry acts on need, without judgement.
The Pantry also runs the ‘Dress to Impress / Prom Prince & Princess’ scheme. This provides smart wear to enable vulnerable young people at Sefton high schools to attend interviews, their school prom – or even family funerals.
Soroptimist International Crosby has included Sefton Community Pantry in the current round of charity disbursements this year. Members were also able to present Lynne with a large trolley-load of donated goods for the hampers.