AN annual food donation appeal which helps to prevent the town’s most in need residents from going hungry this Christmas has once again hit the mark ahead of the busiest time of the year.

The event, which was held last Wednesday at Mapplewell and Staincross Village Hall, was organised by Teresa Wilcockson and volunteers from the Darton East Labour Branch.

Donations of food, toiletries and cash were generously handed in in support of the Barnsley Foodbank Partnership, helping local families and individuals in need during the Christmas period.

The partnership fed more than 10,000 people between April 2024 and 2025, 3,000 of which were children.

The Christmas period is generally deemed as the busiest time for referrals and it now has 14 locations across the borough, each providing essential parcels to those in need.

Teresa said: “Each year local residents show incredible generosity and we can’t thank them enough for that.

“The collection plays a small but important part in supporting the foodbank services across Barnsley.

“It highlights the strength of community spirit in the area, particularly at such an important time of year.

“Christmas is a wonderful period for so many people but for some it’s incredibly lonely - I’d like to think that collections such as ours help to put a smile on their faces.

“No-one should be going hungry at Christmas.”

Part of the Trussell Trust’s national network, Barnsley’s demand is set to soar over the next week following a record-breaking Christmas last year.

Sophie Carre, director of engagement at the charity, said: “Christmas should be a time of joy and celebration, but this winter too many people will be struggling just to get by.

“Families will be forced to turn to a foodbank for the first time as they are left exhausted, isolated and without enough money to live on. ( “Foodbanks offer more than emergency food - they provide hope, dignity and relief to people facing hardship.

“They welcome people with warmth, offer connection over a cup of tea and give advice that makes it less likely people will need to turn to a food bank again. ( “As the coldest months draw in, foodbanks need your help more than ever.

“If you are in a position to give, you can make sure foodbanks are there for everyone who needs support this festive season by donating to Trussell’s winter appeal.

“Thank you for standing with us and helping to ensure no-one faces hunger alone this winter.”