VOLUNTEERS are hard at work preparing emergency boxes of food and household essentials for the needy and vulnerable.

The project, spearheaded by St Andrew’s Methodist Church in Liversedge, puts together seven-day parcels for isolated people and those who are unable to access shopping normally.

It is being supported by Kirklees councillors from Liversedge and Gomersal as well as colleagues in Mirfield.

However the spread of deliveries also includes Heckmondwike and Cleckheaton following the “incredible” support of supermarkets in the two towns.

Among the local councillors who have allocated cash from Covid-19 emergency ward funds to the scheme is Lisa Holmes, who represents Liversedge and Gomersal for the Conservatives.

CORONAVIRUS: PPE donated by Linden Homes and food cooked by The International

All 23 wards in Kirklees have received a budget of £50,000 – more than the usual £20,000 – to invest in local communities as a way of boosting morale during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Clr Holmes praised the work of volunteers who have been packing boxes prior to the launch of the project, which will see parcels being delivered across the district.

And she paid tribute to Morrisons in Heckmondwike and Tesco in Cleckheaton for not only donating goods but allowing volunteers to make up boxes on site.

“We are struggling to spend the extra £30,000 on Covid-19. What people really need is food,” said Clr Holmes.

“We’re not giving away free food willy-nilly. It’s not a service for people that can’t be bothered going shopping.

“Instead it’s for people that are unable to get to the shops or who cannot get out for safety reasons.”

Food parcels include milk, bread, tinned goods, vegetables and cereal.

Household and hygiene parcels include disinfectant, toothpaste, soap, bleach, deodorant and, by request, sanitary items.

The £20 boxes should be paid for but Clr Holmes said those in financial difficulties will not be ignored and, if necessary, items will be provided for free or the recipient can make arrangements to pay at a later date.

“The catalyst behind this has been the church. It’s their project.

“Councillors such as myself are backing them. We are putting in £5,000 per ward initially and then we will see how the project goes.

“There’s a hope that it will become self-sustaining.

“The supermarkets have been incredible. This wouldn’t be happening without Tescos and Morrisons.

“They are donating an absolute fortune to us.

“The people working to sort out parcels are driven and absolutely desperate to help. That’s the one thing that people are keen to do: to help where they can.”

She added: “We are relying on people’s honesty and asking them to act fairly.

“Should we run out of boxes and someone is in dire straits we will still take them essentials for the next few days. If they have no money they can make a donation later.

“We will not let anyone go hungry.”

The church’s initiative is currently running with just a handful of volunteers working from 10am to noon on weekdays plus the six Tory councillor in support. Together they are covering the combined area of Gomersal, Liversedge, Mirfield, Heckmondwike and Cleckheaton combined area – around 70,000 people.

The project went live on Tuesday (April 14). It does not presently have an end date.

The emergency service can be contacted on 01484 226 919 (8am to 6pm weekdays and 10am to 4pm on weekends and Bank Holidays).