Coronavirus: A day in the life of Peterborough charity running food distribution centre

So far the team has sent more than 500 food packages to residents.

Bright and early in the day, Rev Adrian Holdstock opens the doors at St. Mark’s Church in Lincoln Road for morning donations. Never knowing what to expect, the volunteers can’t rely on having staple items each morning.

Helen Walkinshaw from Community First said: “We’re so grateful for all we are given, but we never know what we will get.”

After using PPE, and rigorously washing their hands, the vans are unloaded.

When items are safely unpacked, the team starts arranging collections and deliveries. When receiving larger donations, the group is “happy to share” what it has with other local charities. One large donation of meat and ready meals provided dinner for 80 residents living in sheltered accommodation.

As Helen explains the delivery team arrives at noon and drives most of the afternoon around the city. She said: “Most of the volunteers are fitting deliveries around other voluntary work and full time jobs. Our volunteers are incredible, they always make time to make sure the deliveries are tailored, like stopping to pick up a diabetic treat or collect a prescription.”

Something particularly heart-warming for the volunteers is when recipients who don’t see anyone wait at their windows for their arrival and wave and chat through the window. Every day without fail volunteers call to check on recipients. Helen said: “We see how they are. Often they’re really happy just that someone has remembered them, and a simple chat can lift their spirits.”

Though they close the doors in the afternoon, often emergency calls come in late at night. Helen said: “There have been some calls where we have been so worried we have sent an emergency meal at night before a delivery the next day.” After tirelessly working throughout the day, these generous volunteers get ready to do it all over again.