THE BASIC IDEA
The Basic Idea project was inspired by the credit crunch and the knowledge that many of our neighbours around us are experiencing difficult financial transitions, through job loss or a break in welfare benefits.
We have built up a central supply of foodstuffs and other household items via collection bins in local churches which are then sorted, date labeled and packed in to boxes ready for delivery.
Since the Basic Idea began in April 2009, the project has helped around 200 people in need with emergency food parcels and other vital supplies.
Project volunteers work with a number of referral agencies who make us aware of cases of particular individual and family need.
The boxess are designed to provide enough food for the person or family for three days, and on average we make between one and two deliveries every week.
We now provide not only the basic box of tinned and package food, but also a loaf of bread and some fresh fruit with it. There has also been a huge demand for nappies which we are providing whenever possible.
The response from people on their doorstep when boxes have been delivered has been one of real gratitude and it is a real privilege to be part of this project.
We are keen to see The Basic Idea continue to establish itself and grow as resources permit and as the need becomes clear.
How the project works – and how you can help
- You buy an extra item when you go shopping
- You then drop it in the specially-provided bin at your local church*
- The champion arranges delivery to the central store
- Items are managed and sorted and packed in to boxes
- Referrals are received and passed on to deliverers
- Three days’ worth of food and household items are donated to an individual, couple or family in acute financial need.
*You can find collection bins at St Peter’s (Chesterfield Rd), St Marks (Openwoodgate), St Swithern’s (Holbrook Rd), the Central Methodist Church (opposite the bus station), Belper Community Church (meeting at the Strutt’s old school) and at the Baptist Church (near the library).
Thanks again to all those who support this vital work in any way.
Contacts for this project include ggandhg@aol.com and jo.lambourne@gmail.com
