A COMMUNITY shop scheme, where all the items are free, will draw to a close at the end of the month.
The shop, launched by Influence Church, and been operating at 54 Galgate, Barnard Castle, ensured those in greatest need during the Covid-19 lockdowns have had access to everyday items for free. Vanessa Husband, from Influence Church, said: “It is something that we started on the back of our foodbank because a lot of people have been finding it tough during lockdown.
“It’s open to everybody and you don’t need to show identification or give details.
“You can take as much or as little as you need. It’s just a free shop.”
Open one hour each Thursday, the store is full of everyday items including fresh
produce, bread, hygiene products, cereals, tinned goods, rice and pasta.
Ms Husband added: “We’ve been incredibly fortunate with donations. The Co-op especially has provided us with lots of produce and what is left from the shop is then part of the Storehouse Foodbank the next day.”
The community shop will be wrapped up at the end of the month but the foodbank will continue to operate each Friday. For more information on Influence Church, which has continued to hold Sunday services throughout the pandemic using online technology, visit www.influencechurch.co.uk.
