A NEWPORT charity has helped thousands of struggling people with its food and clothing banks.

Stow Park Church Centre, which set up food and clothing banks in January 2011, has helped more than 3,000 referred individuals with food, clothing and bedding, as an increasing number of people are in need due to benefit cuts and sanctions.

This year, Stow Park Church Centre plans to distribute £35,000 worth of food, donated by MPs, church collections and the Raven House Trust, providing on average 280 food parcels a month since March.

The organisation pays £85 per month to the charity FareShare for around 60 percent of their supplies, and with Raven House Trust they hold regular supermarket collection days and get some donations from church members and visitors.

Chris Richards, the central manager of Stow Park Church Centre, said: “The food bank is our biggest operation, but we also provide donated clothing to help homeless and vulnerably housed people.

“On a Saturday morning, we provide big bags of clothing to give to homeless people such as jumpers, jackets, socks and especially shoes which are in high demand.

“Sometimes we get people who walk for miles for food parcels that have barely any sole left on their shoes, so we provide them with some whenever possible.”

Mr Richards added: “The first Wednesday of every month we hold our community lunch. “A wholesome two course meal with tea or coffee costs just £3.50 and any profit goes towards the good work that the centre continues to provide.” The centre is open from Tuesday to Friday from 9am to 5pm and so far 2,100 people have been referred to the charity. The next community lunch is on June 5.

To donate items, food, money or volunteer either contact the office on 01633 843730 or visit www.stowparkchurchcentre.co.uk