The response to our appeal for donations to the Collier Row & Romford Foodbank at last Saturday's home game exceeded expectations as contributions were received from the club’s supporters, players and management and even one of the match officials.

The donated items were delivered to the foodbank at Romford Baptist Church on Monday, when club chairman Steve Gardener, supporter John Brannon (who volunteers at the foodbank), and Teddy Desmond posed with the donations together with John Stannard and Rev. Ian Bunce from the foodbank.

Rev. Bunce said, “A huge thank you to the team and fans of Romford Football club who have donated ¼ of a tonne of food to Collier Row and Romford foodbank. In addition to the food, we also received toiletries, some footballs and £200. Thank you again for your amazing support!

Club chairman Steven Gardener was delighted with the response. “As a club that wants to be at the heart of the community, we are very happy to have been able to support the foodbank and provide a donation that assists those in need of its services”, he said, adding “Our supporters, players and management have been so generous”.

Last week alone, Collier Row and Romford Foodbank gave 158 three-day emergency food supplies to people in crisis. “People find themselves in need of a foodbank for many reasons” said Rev. Bunce, “not least sickness, redundancy, low pay and high rents with some users already working more than one job”.

People in need of help from the foodbank receive vouchers from a range of sources including local schools, doctors, support agencies, the local council cost of living team, the Salvation Army and many other support agencies.

Currently, because of the high demand, in addition to the many very generous donations the foodbank is also spending at least £1000 per month on food to keep their shelves stocked.

Donations to the foodbank can be dropped off, weekdays 9-3pm at Romford Baptist Church on Main Road, Romford. For further information please see the Collier Row & Romford Foodbank webpage at https://collierrowromford.foodbank.org.uk/ , by email to info@collierrowromford.foodbank.org.uk or by phone 07548 674958