We are two goodgymers who regularly volunteer at Vauxhall Gardens community centre foodbank. Today we unpacked, sorted and packed several deliveries in preparation for the final foodbank session on Friday 19th December before Christmas day.

This morning, a merry band of 10 GoodGymers sleighed their way to Vauxhall Garden Community Centre to lend a helping hand at the food bank and what a cracking session it was!

We rolled up our sleeves and got straight into the festive spirit by unloading a van packed full of vegetables and chicken (no turkeys were harmed in the making of this report 🦃😉). With teamwork that would make Santa’s elves proud, everything was swiftly sorted, stacked, and stored.

Inside the main room, we transformed the space into a well-organised winter wonderland of staple foods – pasta, rice, sauces and more all lined up and ready to go. It was truly a pasta-bilities are endless kind of morning.

Adding some extra sparkle to the session, we were joined by representatives from two companies who came along for a volunteering morning, showing that goodwill really is the best corporate gift of all 🎁.

Thanks to everyone’s efficiency, energy, and good cheer, everything was completed comfortably within the hour – proving once again that many hands make light work (especially when powered by Christmas spirit).

Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! May it be filled with great deeds and plenty of GoodGym magic! 🎅✨

As a tourist to Lambeth from Sheffield, I joined Talei and Iain on their first ever GG good deeds (well done!) and return helper Rima. We arrived at Vauxhall Gardens Community Centre, where we met with Melvin and heard all about how the initiative works. They have weekly deliveries from different sources ahead of their Friday food pantry, which has 90-100 patrons each week.

Whilst we were waiting, we were put to work decanting various sauces into plastic containers and opening and separating packs of "Nakd" bars. Just as we were losing hope, one van full arrived, and before we knew it, the next! We unloaded and took inventory, before transferring chilled items to the fridges and leaving items neatly organised ahead of Friday's pantry, including lots of Xmas treats!

Spent a few hours on logistics and preparation for the festive season delivery schedule. Tasks mainly involved sorting, packing, and staging items for distribution. All necessary items are prepared and organised for tomorrow’s scheduled deliveries. Members' attendance ensured all targets for the day were met efficiently.

Great session with fab leaders, really felt like I was making a difference and will be back to help.

It was an incredibly heart warming day at the centre, where our team had the privilege of helping many members of our community access essential resources. Seeing the genuine smiles and ensuring every individual and family could leave with food for their homes made all the hard work feel meaningful.