Saturday saw familiar faces returning and some new to the foodbank arriving to help out with the never ending task of sorting and creating space in the foodbank warehouse.

Initially Mikaela, Rosalind and Alastair were decanting stock from the storage containers with Rachael and Dominic starting the sorting the variety of tins in to months and quarters to help ensure short dated food is supplied to those in need and nothing is wasted. Once the relevant items had been decanted from the container everyone mucked in to assist the sorting effort.

Meanwhile there were a few deliveries from local supermarkets and local people which needed weighing and moving in to the warehouse. Some of the regular foodbank volunteers were also on hand to sort deliveries and stock and save the time of volunteers during the week to ensure they have the time needed to help clients.

And in a flash, shift one was over with the arrival of Nick, Detti, Denise and Robin.

The van was the destination for Christmas goodies from the latest foodbank appeal for sorting at another location, with the team again summoning their Tetris skills to get the van as full as possible.

Nick and Detti were asked to sort the “shopping aisle” where packages are put together for clients by one of the regular volunteers. Meanwhile, Robin and Denise set to work sorting some of the odd tins and items which didn’t have a home.

Across the two sessions the team put in a lot of effort, created a lot of space and saved a lot of time for the regular volunteers for the coming week. Mike has again asked me to pass on his thanks to everyone at Goodgym on behalf of the foodbank.