Category: Whitehead

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.

A Warm Thank You to Whitehead Congregational Church for Their Harvest Festival Donation”

Generosity

In the spirit of harvest and giving, we extend our warmest thanks to Whitehead Congregational Church for their generous donation to Whitehead Storehouse, the local food bank for Whitehead, Ballycarry and Islandmagee.. Your contribution has made a meaningful difference to our community, and we are truly grateful for your support. Your generosity is a shining example of the true essence of the harvest season. Thank you for your kindness.

In these times of adversity, the Congregational Church’s act of generosity has sown seeds of hope. Their donation serves as a beacon of light, reminding us all that compassion and kindness can thrive, even in the face of adversity. It sends a powerful message to those struggling: you are not alone, and help is near.

And even more the Congregational 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.

Spirit of Giving

As we celebrate this year’s harvest season, let us continue to carry the spirit of giving with us throughout the year. Supporting local food stores and charitable organisations is not limited to a particular season; it is a year-round dedication to ensuring that every individual in our community has access to the essentials they need.

Whitehead Congregational Church’s harvest donation has sown seeds of kindness that will undoubtedly yield a rich harvest of gratitude in our community. As we express our thanks, let us also challenge ourselves to follow their example. Together, we can create a community where no one goes to bed hungry and where the bonds of compassion and support are unbreakable.

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.

Warm Space Whitehead Community Centre

Whitehead Community Centre Warm Space

Whitehead Centre are pleased to offer a new Warm Space in the Small Meeting Room- access via Balmoral Avenue side and to the top of the stairs. They will have tea, coffee and biscuits on offer as well as some games and jigsaws if you fancy.
This will run on Mondays 2.00pm- 4.00pm
Tuesdays 10.30am- 12.30pm
and Thursdays 2.00pm- 4.00pm
Everyone welcome!
https://www.whiteheadstorehouse.com/

 

Heating Costs Are High

With the horrific increase in heating costs, many people are having to keep their homes at a lower temperature  than is maybe healthy for them.

“Warm Spaces” is a new concept aimed at providing a temporary, warm and safe environment for people who may be struggling with heating costs or for those who may not have adequate heating in their homes. The concept is that of a warming centre, where individuals can come and seek refuge from the cold.

The idea of providing these warm spaces is a great way to support those in need of extra heat, particularly the elderly and vulnerable. Not only do these spaces provide warmth, but they also offer a place for people to socialise and keep occupied, which can be crucial during the winter months when people may be more isolated due to the cold weather.

It’s important for communities to come together to support those who may be struggling with the costs of heating or inadequate heating in their homes. Warm Spaces is a great initiative that can help alleviate some of the challenges faced by individuals and families during the winter months.

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 Whitehead Congregational Church


Thank you very much to all those who contributed items at Whitehead Congregational Church’s recent Harvest Festival Service. These have been donated to Whitehead Storehouse to provide emergency food help to those in economic need in Whitehead, Ballycarry and Islandmagee. With the threat of a cold and difficult winter for all, these donations will help the most vulnerable in the local area.

Thank You Islandmagee Methodist Church

Islandmagee Methodist Church Harvest Festival Donations

A huge thank you to all those who donated at the Islandmagee Harvest Festival Service. The donations have been passed to Whitehead Storehouse, the independent food bank for Whitehead, Islandmagee and Ballycarry and will be kept safe, ready for emergency food supplies to be provided for those in need in the local area.

We all know that food costs have risen steeply in the last few months and that heating has become even more costly, with oil, gas and electricity prices rising sharply. For those already in difficult economic situations, the coming winter will be even harder, with some people facing thorny choices between heating and eating. Whitehead Storehouse is very grateful for all donations that will allow us to help those in short term crisis with emergency food packs that will help them over a difficult patch.

UPDATE

A very generous financial donation has also been made from the Harvest Collection by Islandmagee Methodist Church. Very gratefully received. Thank you very much.

https://www.whiteheadstorehouse.com/

Thank You Church of Ireland

The Church of Ireland in Whitehead and Islandmagee asked those at the annual Harvest Festival Services this year to donate non-perishable items to Whitehead Storehouse, providing a list of the most needed items. St Patrick’s Church held their Harvest Service on 2 October 2022. St John’s Islandmagee is to hold their service on 16th October.

Donations from St Patrick’s service have now been delivered to Whitehead Storehouse and will be stored there, ready for emergency food supplies to be provided for those in need in the local area.

As everyone has no doubt noticed, fuel supply costs (oil, gas, electricity) are increasing sharply. This is on top of steady increases in the cost of food and other items from the shops. More people may well be faced with “Heat or Eat” decisions this winter than last year and Whitehead Storehouse is extremely grateful to those who donated items that can be used to provide emergency food packs to local families facing a short term crisis, for whatever reason.

https://www.whiteheadstorehouse.com/

Thank You Lighthouse Bistro

https://www.whiteheadstorehouse.com/

Lighthouse Bistro

Grateful thanks to The Lighthouse Bistro, Whitehead, its customers and to Erica Lutzman for organising a fundraiser on behalf of Whitehead Storehouse. Over £200 was raised in the short space of 3 hours, every penny of which will go to help economically deprived residents of the local area.

With the cost of living and the cost of heating rising for everyone, this is going to be a hard winter for many, who will struggle to stay warm or feed their children. It also means that donors may well be finding the economic situation harder, so we are extremely grateful to all those who donated and of course to the Lighthouse Bistro for organising the fundraiser.