Salvation Army to open ‘community kitchen’ in response to need in Hinckley

Volunteers at Hinckley Salvation Army church and community centre will host a ‘community kitchen’ on Wednesday evenings throughout the winter to support local people who are in need and those experiencing homelessness.

The new community initiative will start on Wednesday 7 November between 6pm-8pm at The Salvation Army in Lancaster Road. Organisers hope to continue the project until March 2019 when a review will take place.

In addition to a hot meal, guests will be able to access shower facilities, clean clothes, haircuts and foot care. Each week a team of ten volunteers will serve the guests. Roles include receptionists, kitchen staff and people who are available to chat and listen. 

Church leader Major Carol Evans said: “Over the past year we have become increasingly concerned by the number of people needing our help because they are homeless or cannot afford to buy enough food.  The Salvation Army has always felt called to put Christian faith in to action by serving others, so we felt we had to do something. 

“We held a meeting to see if there was enough interest in volunteering for this kind of service and thirty-seven people came, including members of our own Salvation Army church and other local churches. The response was truly amazing.

“While we are blessed with enough volunteers to fill our rota at present, if anyone is interested in offering support then I would encourage them to get in touch. We are in need of warm second-hand clothing and trainers as well as new socks underwear, sleeping bags, toiletries and large towels. Even donations of money to purchase food for the meals would be appreciated.

“We are hoping our guests will find a warm and welcoming space, enjoy friendly conversation and receive practical support and advice.”

Donations can be brought to The Salvation Army in Lancaster Road, Hinckley on Monday, Tuesday, Friday or Saturday mornings between 10am and 12 noon.