Food bank forced to turn away families with children after being hit by vandals

Families with young children and a man who hadn't eaten in THREE DAYS had to be turned away from a food bank after it was targeted by vandals.
Damage caused to the St Catherine's Church Centre food bank in WakefieldDamage caused to the St Catherine's Church Centre food bank in Wakefield
Damage caused to the St Catherine's Church Centre food bank in Wakefield

The St Catherine's Church Centre in Wakefield was left hundreds of pounds out of pocket after heartless criminals broke into an enclosed garden and smashed one of the building's windows over the weekend.

The attack is the fourth in as many months and centre manager Lisa Grant said volunteers have had to turn away 26 people who are hungry and have no other means of feeding themselves.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Nothing was taken in the incident, but the amount of smashed glass means hundreds of pounds of food will have to be thrown away in case it has been contaminated with glass fragments.

Damage caused to the St Catherine's Church Centre food bank in WakefieldDamage caused to the St Catherine's Church Centre food bank in Wakefield
Damage caused to the St Catherine's Church Centre food bank in Wakefield

Lisa said: "I had one guy who came in who hasn't eaten for three days and had cycled three miles just to get here.

"He'll have to cycle all the way back in tomorrow and we don't know if we'll be able to feed him.

"We've also had to turn away at least three ladies with children today.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"We've been trying to scrounge together food to get them through the evening.

Damage caused to the St Catherine's Church Centre food bank in WakefieldDamage caused to the St Catherine's Church Centre food bank in Wakefield
Damage caused to the St Catherine's Church Centre food bank in Wakefield

"We can't even begin to clear up the mess because until police come down. It's going to be a big operation."

A post on the food bank's Facebook page said: "Due to the damage from this recent mindless act we have had to close today.

"We are having to turn people away with nothing - people are going hungry today.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"Hundreds of pounds worth of food will also have to be thrown away as it is contaminated. Staff and volunteers are so upset."

A West Yorkshire Police spokesman said: "The Wakefield Central NPT would like to speak with anyone who has information about recent incidents at St Catherine’s Church on Doncaster Road in Wakefield.

"The latest incident took place overnight Saturday and Sunday after suspects vandalized two windows in the food store.

"Anyone who can assist is asked to call the Wakefield Central NPT on 101 referencing police crime number 13200019324.

Information can also be given online at www.westyorkshire.police.co.uk/101livechat or anonymously to the independent Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.