I am delighted to announce that this week’s Community Hero is the team at The Community Cupboard led by David Carter, Rev. Helen Reeves, Tracy Wood and Vee McGannon.
Despite only being established at the end of 2019, to provide food and practical support to vulnerable people across West Kingsdown, Ash, New Ash Green and Hartley, the team have been working non-stop following the COVID-19 outbreak.
The community and local businesses have generously contributed a huge amount of goods, practical support and cash to enable the team to keep up with the increased demand. To help put the challenge into perspective, over the last four months the food distributed by the team has increased fivefold and is now equivalent to 2.3 tonnes! The team have risen to a truly momentous challenge and continue to put the needs of the community first. A very well deserved winner.
I first spoke to Community Cupboard at the start of the outbreak and was immediately impressed with their commitment and dedication. I look forward to speaking to them later this week, and thanking them for the extraordinary efforts. As ever, their story will also be covered in print as part of our Community Heroes partnership with the Sevenoaks Chronicle, which is out on Thursday.
I have been truly touched by all the nominations we have received, which will now be rolled over to next week – however please do keep sending them in. I will be announcing a new Community Hero of the Week each Monday, so if you know of any individuals or organisation who deserves recognition please either visit my website, or email laura.trott.mp@parliament.uk.