Foodbank launches toiletry appeal for Mother's Day

Each week, the foodbank sees women struggling to afford food let alone toiletries such as nappies and sanitary products.

The foodbank, which is part of the Trussell Trust, has launched the appeal to make sure mums get a little more this year. Shampoo, sanitary products, nappies, shower gel and toothpaste are all needed and can be dropped off at The People’s Church.

Foodbank manager Sarah Williams said: “Every day at the foodbank we meet mums from across Banbury who share heart-breaking stories about the difficulties they face to put food on their children’s plates.

“No mum should feel like they have let their children down because something outside their control, like illness or an unexpected bill, has thrown the family into crisis– that’s why we give not only emergency food but also compassionate support and hope when people are referred to us.

“When you’re struggling to afford food, you’re often struggling to afford other basics like loo roll, shampoo and women’s sanitary products too.

“Perhaps unsurprisingly, toiletries are not the first thing most people think of when they’re donating to a foodbank, but they do make a huge difference in restoring some normality when you’re at the point of crisis.

“Whatever you are able to give this Mother’s Day will help local mums who are struggling to know there are people who care. Thank you for your kindness.”

Mum Lydia – not her real name – who was referred to a foodbank after being made redundant said: “Mother’s Day used to be a time when my son would thank me for being a good mum. But now I can’t say I really want to celebrate it. I feel like I have really let my boy down.”