Donations for needy stolen from Middleton in Action Together volunteer group

Donations for people in need have been stolen from volunteer group Middleton in Action Together.

The break in at the scout hut on Townley Street occurred between Sunday and Monday afternoons (22 and 23 November) with a large quantity of donations being stolen - including toiletries, biscuits, crisps, tinned food, baby products and products for special dietary requirements (such as gluten-free and dairy-free). A number of toys donated for the Lighthouse Project and Wood Street Mission for Christmas were also taken.

The thieves broke in through the window before leaving via the fire escape. The discovery was made on Monday afternoon when one volunteer arrived at the hut, before it was then reported to the police.

Greater Manchester Police has confirmed no arrests have been made.

Middleton in Action Together has worked throughout the pandemic to ensure that vulnerable people have had access to help as well as distributing food parcels. The group is still receiving referrals through the emergency hub and adult services.

Group co-ordinator Neil McClure said: “I’m amazed at the generosity we’ve experienced. So many people have come forward and offered us help and donations, such as repairing the window for free.

“There are more good people than bad out there, and we can’t let this incident undermine the generosity of people. A lot more good will come out of this than bad.”

 

 

In response to the break in, local volunteer Jennifer Smith has launched a fundraiser to replenish stock. Over £400 has already been donated by local residents.

Any excess donations will be donated to others in need via the Lighthouse Project and Burnside Community Centre.

She said: “This is a charity very close to my heart and I’m just one of many volunteers who support the collection of donations through the roaming food box.  

“I’m deeply saddened by these events and want to do all I can to support the amazing work they do in the community especially at Christmas time.”

Food donations can be brought to St Michael’s Church or donated via the roaming food box.

Jennifer added: “If Middleton in Action Together is inundated with food donations over the next week, we will offer the money for repair work and/or the Middleton in Action Christmas toy appeal.”

Made up of local volunteers, the group was set up at St Michael’s Church earlier this year after choir member Darrell Blakeley, 88, sadly died after testing positive for Covid-19.

Following his death, Darrell’s family asked the people of Middleton for random acts of kindness to be carried out, in lieu of flowers, which evolved into a wider effort of volunteers.

To donate, please visit:

• www.gofundme.com/f/stock-replacement-middleton-in-action

Donations of food and toys can also be made in person at the Scout Hut between 6pm-7pm Monday-Friday or between 10am-12noon Sundays.

Become involved or get help

If you are in need, would like to donate or volunteer, please contact the Middleton in Action Together team in one of the following ways:

• Phone: 07568 765 379
• Email: stmichaelssc18@gmail.com
• Meets: at Scout Hut opposite St Michael’s Church, Townley Street, Middleton. 6-7pm Monday to Friday, 10am-12noon Sundays
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/312726329708831