Category: Islandmagee

Supporting Our Community: Can You Donate Staple Items

Challenging Times

In these challenging times, many families in our community are facing difficulties putting food on their tables. As a beacon of hope and support, Whitehead Storehouse is reaching out to our local community to help alleviate hunger and provide essential nourishment to those who need it most. Your generosity can make a significant difference in the lives of families struggling to make ends meet.

Why Donate Staple Items

Staple items such as tuna, tinned tomatoes and tins of meat, form the backbone of our food assistance efforts. These items are versatile, nutritious, and in high demand among the families we serve. Your donations can help us create balanced and wholesome food packages that meet the diverse dietary needs of our community members. Whether it’s a hearty meal or a quick snack, your contribution ensures that no one goes hungry.

Can You Donate Food Items

If you are interested or willing to donate staple food, we are currently low on the following and would much appreciate donations of any of the following staple items. Even one item will help.

  • Instant Coffee
  • Tins of Tuna
  • tins of meat
  • morning juice,
  • cereals
  • biscuits

Every contribution, no matter how small, brings us one step closer to ensuring that everyone has access to an an adequate food supply.

Where to Donate

You can drop off your donations at Whitehead Community Centre during their opening hours. Or buy an extra can or jar when shopping and leave it with Whitehead Spar or Islandmagee Spar, or drop a contribution into your local Church.

By donating staple items to Whitehead Storehouse you are not just providing food for individuals and families in Whitehead, Islandmagee and Ballycarry– you are offering hope, dignity, and support to individuals and families facing difficult circumstances.

Your kindness has the power to transform lives and build a stronger, more resilient community for us all. Thank you for your generosity and compassion. Together, we can make a meaningful difference.

Spread the Word

While we may not always see the problems, in every community, there are families who may be struggling to put food on the table due to various challenges they face. Whitehead Storehouse is a beacon of hope for these individuals and families. It’s essential to ensure that every family in need knows about the available help and support to ensure that no family goes hungry.

Many individuals or families may not be aware of the resources and assistance available to them through Whitehead Storehouse, especially those who may not often be on social media or the internet. By spreading the news, we can bridge this gap and connect those in need with vital support services. Every family deserves access to nutritious food, and by raising awareness, we can make a significant difference in improving their quality of life.

How You Can Help

Share Information

Please share this page and Whitehead Storehouse Facebook posts with your own contacts. If you can put up leaflets on a local bulletin board, please feel free to pick some up from Whitehead Community Centre during their opening hours.

If your organisation has contact with families who may be in need, let them know about Whitehead Storehouse’s services, maybe by giving them a leaflet (these can be obtained from Whitehead Community Centre) or pointing them to the Storehouse’s web page at www.whiteheadstorehouse.com.

In times of hardship, it’s essential to ensure that every family in our community knows where to turn for support. By spreading the news about the availability of help from the Whitehead Storehouse, we can extend a lifeline to those facing food insecurity and make a tangible difference in their lives. Together, let’s build a stronger, more supportive community where no family goes hungry. Thank you for joining us in this vital mission of compassion and solidarity.

Heartfelt Thank You to Our Lady of Lourdes Church for Their Generous Support

This post is to express deepest gratitude for the tremendous support that Our Lady of Lourdes Church has generously extended to Whitehead Storehouse, the local food bank. Your kindness and compassion have made a significant impact on the lives of those in need, especially during these challenging times and at this special time of year.

The outpouring of donations, including an abundance of food, toys, vouchers, and toiletries, is truly heartwarming. Your commitment to supporting our aim to alleviate hunger and provide essential items has made a difference in the lives of many individuals and families within our community.

The variety of non-perishable food items has not only stocked our shelves but has also brought smiles to the faces of those who may have otherwise gone without a warm meal. The toys provided have brought joy to countless children, creating precious memories during the holiday season that they will cherish for years to come.

Additionally, the inclusion of vouchers has allowed us to offer families the flexibility to choose items that best suit their individual needs. This thoughtful gesture empowers them to make choices that align with their preferences and dietary requirements, fostering a sense of dignity and respect.

The donation of toiletries is also immensely appreciated, as it addresses a basic yet often overlooked need. Your support in this regard contributes to the overall well-being of the individuals and families we serve.

It is through the support of all our community partners like Our Lady of Lourdes Church that we are able to make a meaningful impact. Your generosity reflects the spirit of compassion and unity that defines the true essence of the holiday season.

Once again, thank you for your unwavering support and for being a beacon of hope in our community. We are truly grateful for the partnership we share and look forward to continuing our collaborative efforts to make a positive difference in the lives of those who need it most.

Wishing you and the entire congregation a joyous holiday season filled with love, peace, and the warmth of community.

Islandmagee Primary School: Spreading Harvest Joy through Generosity

In the heart of Islandmagee, a little school with a big heart has made a significant impact on our community. Islandmagee Primary School, with its wonderful harvest festival, has embraced the spirit of the season by generously donating to Whitehead Storehouse, the local food bank for Whitehead, Ballycarry and Islandmagee. In this blog post, we extend our heartfelt thanks to the school for their dedication to making a difference through their harvest donation.

A Time to Share Blessings:

The harvest season is a special time when we celebrate the abundance of the earth and give thanks for the blessings we receive. It’s a time for communities to come together, share the joy, and support those in need.

Islandmagee Primary School held a harvest festival and their contribution of food items, collected during this, will ensure that families in our community won’t go without essentials.

More than just filling stomachs, the school’s generosity has nurtured spirits. The act of giving has brought warmth and hope to individuals and families facing difficult times and their donation has also been a valuable lesson for their students. It teaches the importance of compassion, generosity, and caring for the community, a lesson that extends far beyond the classroom.

Expressing Our Gratitude

To the students, teachers, and staff of Islandmagee Primary School, we extend our sincere thanks. Your school has shown us the power of community, kindness, and the impact even a small act of giving can have. Your harvest festival donation reminds us that we can all play a part in making our community a better place and making harvest season a time to share and be grateful.

Harvesting Happiness: A Grateful Shout-out to Islandmagee Methodist Church

Spirit of Harvest

As autumn’s gentle touch transforms the landscape, the spirit of harvest envelops us, reminding us to count our blessings and share our abundance. This year, we are also immensely grateful to the Islandmagee Methodist Church for their outstanding generosity in donating their harvest collection to Whitehead Storehouse, the local food bank for Whitehead, Islandmagee and Ballycarry. Their act of kindness has not only enriched our community but has also kindled warmth in our hearts. In this blog post, we wish to express our heartfelt appreciation to the Islandmagee Methodist Church for their commitment to making a difference.

Essence of Harvest:

Harvest is a time of gratitude and sharing, a season when communities come together to celebrate the gifts of the land and ensure that none within their midst go hungry. The Islandmagee Methodist Church, through their remarkable act of kindness, embodies the true spirit of this season.

Strengthening Community Bonds:

Even more than tangible donations, the Islandmagee Methodist Church’s gift has fortified the bonds within our community. It has shown us that when we unite with open hearts and outstretched hands, we can build a compassionate and resilient community.

Expressing Our Gratitude:

To the members of the Islandmagee Methodist Church, we extend our deepest appreciation for your very generous harvest collection and for the retiring collection sum of £700. Your commitment to the values of charity, generosity, and community has made a tangible difference in the lives of those around you. Your donation has lightened the burdens of many, and your example inspires us all to be better neighbours.

Heartfelt Thank You to Spar Islandmagee for Their Generous Donation

In a world filled with constant hustle and bustle, it’s always heart-warming to see local businesses stepping up to make a positive impact on their communities. We are excited to express our heartfelt gratitude to Spar Islandmagee, a beacon of generosity in our community, for their recent donation of goods to support Whitehead Storehouse, as part of their 40th birthday celebrations. Their act of kindness reminds us that when businesses and communities come together, incredible things can happen.

Gary, Spar, Islandmagee and Patrick Stewart, Whitehead Storehouse

The Power of Local Generosity

Local businesses are the backbone of any community. They provide jobs, goods, and services that sustain our neighbourhoods and improve our quality of life. However, the best among them go beyond their day-to-day operations to give back, becoming invaluable partners in the mission to make the world a better place.

Spar, Islandmagee has long been a shining example of this commitment. Their recent donation of goods to Whitehead Storehouse has been nothing short of extraordinary. These goods, including food staples and toiletries  will go a long way in supporting the less fortunate in our community and making a real difference in their lives.

A Helping Hand in Challenging Times

In today’s challenging times, the need for support within our community is more significant than ever. Many individuals and families face difficult circumstances due to various factors, including economic hardship, health issues, or unforeseen emergencies. This is where the generosity of local businesses like Spar, Islandmagee truly shines.

Their donation will provide immediate relief and support to those who need it most, and Spar, Islandmagee has not just donated goods, they’ve offered hope and assistance to those facing tough times.

Inspiring Others to Give Back

The impact of this donation goes beyond the material goods they provided. They inspire other local businesses to follow suit, encouraging a culture of giving and compassion that strengthens the fabric of our community. Their generosity serves as a powerful reminder that we are all interconnected and that when we come together, we can create positive change.

A Lasting Partnership

We want to express our deep appreciation to Spar Islandmagee for their commitment to Whitehead Storehouse’s mission. Their donation of goods not only helps us in our immediate efforts but also strengthens the foundation of our partnership. We look forward to working together on future initiatives and continuing to make our community a better place for all.

Conclusion

In a world often filled with challenges and uncertainty, it’s reassuring to know that we have businesses like this in our community. Their recent donation of goods is a testament to their dedication to the well-being of our neighbours and the betterment of our community as a whole. We extend our heartfelt thanks and hope their generosity serves as an inspiration for others to join in making our community a brighter, more compassionate place. Together, we can create a ripple effect of kindness that will touch the lives of many for years to come.

Summer Economic Needs

Summer School Break

Summer is a great time for kids, no school, better weather, the chance to play outside all day with their friends. But as the school year comes to a close, it’s essential to remember that for many families, the end of classes also means the end of a reliable source of meals for their children.

During school time, many children may have a breakfast club at their school or receive free lunches, giving them nourishing food. However, when schools close for the summer, the responsibility falls on parents or guardians to provide meals, which can be difficult for those with limited financial resources.

At these times, it is helpful to contact your local food bank, Whitehead Storehouse. This covers Whitehead, Islandmagee and Ballycarry. Remember you can reach out and seek support from Whitehead Storehouse which is dedicated to helping families in food need, and committed to assisting families who may struggle to feed themselves or their children during the summer months.

This invaluable resource aims to bridge the gap and ensure that no child goes hungry during the break. By providing food aid and support, we can ease some of the financial burdens faced by families in difficult economic circumstances.

How to Access Support

If you find yourself in need of assistance getting food for your family during the summer, it’s important to know that help is just a request away. You can reach out to Whitehead Storehouse by various means, such as:

  • Phone: 0759 621 3763
  • Facebook page and messenger – Facebook search for Whitehead Storehouse
  • Email – whiteheadstorehouse@gmail.com

Maintaining Confidentiality and Dignity

It’s natural to feel hesitant or embarrassed when seeking help, but it’s important to remember that everyone faces challenges at some point in life. Whitehead Storehouse is committed to treating all requests with utmost confidentiality and respect. We understand the difficulties faced by families and aim to provide support without judgment, ensuring that you can access the assistance you need while maintaining your dignity.

Conclusion

No parent should have to worry about their children going hungry during the summer months. If you find yourself in a situation where providing meals becomes difficult due to financial constraints, Whitehead Storehouse is here to lend a helping hand. Reach out for support and rest assured that you will find a compassionate and understanding team ready to assist you. Together, we can ensure that your children have access to the nourishment they need to grow and thrive.

Donations To Whitehead Storehouse

Christmas 2022 Donations

We have been asked what donations can be made to the Storehouse, to help others out over Christmas. Here is a list of items that would be useful for the Storehouse to receive for Christmas deliveries, though these will be made on Thursday 16th December 2022.

https://www.whiteheadstorehouse.com/

Image by Ria Sopala from Pixabay

Shloer, dilute juice and morning juice.

Jams, marmalade and peanut butter.

Tins of custard, rice and fruit.

Tins of pork, ham, corned beef and Fray Bentos pies.

Tins of potatoes, carrots and peas.

Christmas puddings, chocolate puddings, mince pies and shortbread.

Selection boxes and tubs of sweets.

Toilet rolls kitchen rolls washing up liquid, soap.

Vouchers for the local shops or supermarkets.

If you feel you would like to donate to Whitehead Storehouse, please leave your donations at Whitehead Spar, Whitehead Community Centre or any Whitehead Church.

All donations are gratefully received and are used to help those in economic difficulty in Whitehead, Ballycarry and Islandmagee.

New Year 2023

Even if you cannot donate in time for Christmas 2022, there will still be an ongoing need for help in 2023, so please feel free to make donations at a later date if you wish.

Thank you everyone, for all the help you have provided in 2022.

Thank You Islandmagee Primary School

Islandmagee Primary School held a harvest collection event and has donated the items brought in to Whitehead Storehouse to help those in economic difficulty this winter. Thank you very much for thinking of those who will not have very much and donating items that will help keep people fed during hard times.

Thank You St John’s Church of Ireland Islandmagee

Many thanks to those who donated items at St John’s Church of Ireland Harvest Festival Service for use by Whitehead Storehouse. Your gifts are gratefully received. It appears that the coming winter is going to be difficult for many people and your donations mean that Whitehead Storehouse will be able to provide emergency food help to those in need.

Thank You Presbyterian Church Islandmagee

Thank you very much to all the donors at the Islandmagee Presbyterian Church Harvest Festival Service, who gave food and other non-perishables and also donations of vouchers and cash to Whitehead Storehouse.


Whitehead Storehouse is really grateful for all the amazing support received this autumn, which will let us help those in need locally this winter, including Islandmagee, Whitehead and Ballycarry.