Adur Gateway Community Hub drives for charity status, after wave of support

The volunteers are keen to ensure the wave of support, generosity and kindness that was shown last year continues into 2021.

The food depot, in Gardner Road, Fishersgate, needs tinned and dried goods, both sweet and savoury, for sharing with neighbours in need in Shoreham, Southwick and Fishersgate.

From the hub’s set-up during the first lockdown to the festive period, the support for the community went from strength to strength, and this has seen it move forward with its drive to charity status.

Volunteer Nathalie Croxon said: “In recent months, the hub’s focus has been on ensuring those needing food get what they need. This includes providing meals for schoolchildren during the summer and October half-term – chiming with the national campaign which saw thousands of businesses support their communities by providing meals for kids.

“For the festive period, the Gateway Hub has been working to ensure every child they support receives a new gift and has a magical experience on Christmas morning. The generosity from local people and businesses has been overwhelming, with more than 250 gifts purchased for local children and delivered in an individually-prepared sack.”

In addition, from December 21, the hub delivered more than 100 hampers to families and individuals, ensuring no-one went without a Christmas lunch.

Nathalie added: “This is down to the amazing support from yet more local people and businesses.

“The support to the hub’s cause has been phenomenal since its inception. The effort to make Christmas special for so many families, individuals and children has been huge.

“Whilst this has undoubtedly been the aim, the hub’s new target is to make sure the start to 2021 is better for those needing help.”

To keep up to date on the latest news for the Adur Gateway Community Hub, follow its Facebook and Instagram accounts, or visit www.thegatewayhub.org for more information. Donations and volunteers are always welcome.