Food Bank Heroes: Laura’s festive Food Bank donation
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Published 28 Dec 2023 in Colleagues
Every year, just before Christmas, Laura Hawker, a Customer Service Assistant at the Moreton In Marsh store, donates a trolley full of festive goodies to North Cotswold Food Bank. We spoke to remarkable colleague Laura to find out why and celebrate her Count Me In win with her.
Firstly, congratulations on being our December Count Me In winner
Thank you! When I heard I’d won it was such a shock but in a way it felt like validation of what I have been doing by donating to food banks out of my own pocket.
Laura Hawker, our December Count me in winner - well done!
How long have you been making your food bank donations?
Since well before the pandemic. We originally only had one donation bin in store but I pushed to get a second one – it’s surprising how many people were donating.
As well as my main Christmas food bank shop, I also donate smaller amounts through the year, usually once every 2-3 months when I can. I bought a whole case of Easter eggs this year and when the war in Ukraine began I donated half a trolley of toiletries for the appeal.
What drives you to make these donations?
When I was a teenager, my parents did all they could to keep us going but we weren’t that well off. There were times when we had more outgoings than money coming in and there was a stage when we were on the verge of having to use food banks ourselves.
I also do it for the people who have kids – it’s not their fault that prices are skyrocketing and that their parents are finding it tough.
The fact that we’re not struggling anymore means I’m lucky enough to be able to help others. I really just feel like I want to help.
How do you decide what to donate?
I have a bit of a system. I’ll see what’s on offer for members and I’ll also look at what we have plenty of on the shelves so I don’t inconvenience anybody. I then usually take six of each item and focus on Christmas staples like stuffing, mince pies, gravy and apple sauce.
I try to set myself a limit – last Christmas it was £100. My trolley came to £136 but with member offers and my colleague discount I actually only paid just shy of £100.
If Laura has inspired you to make a donation this Christmas, there are food bank donation points in most stores. Or why not volunteer your time instead? Don’t forget to share your doing good together stories through Count Me In.
