COMMUNITY champion Steve Barton is keen to make it an eggs-tra special Easter in these challenging times.
Steve, who operates the privately-run Barty’s Foodbank in Stalybridge, wants to give away 10,000 eggs to the needy.
He has already received 3,250 eggs including 185 donated by Mossley Hollins High School student Finlay Smith who used his pocket money and cash raised by making door-to-door collections on the Cypress Oaks estate in Stalybridge.
Already 1,500 eggs have been distributed to Buckton Vale and Millbrook primary schools and underprivileged families.
And Tameside, Oldham and Manchester hospitals are also on Steve’s radar along with the world-renowned Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, Liverpool.
Steve is also hoping to give away eggs to the Silver Springs Academy, All Saints Catholic High School, Ashton’s Women And Their Families Centre, Greystones homeless charity, CLIC Sarjent and to 15 care homes.
“The mental health of people is in tatters because of Covid and I am hoping this will give them a lift, if only a small one, when they need one,” he said.
Easter eggs can be left at 5 A Day, Firwood Carpets and Mellor’s bakery, all Stalybridge, or anybody willing to donate can contact Steve on 07961 911964 with the deadline April 1.
Steve has also appealed for donations to Barty’s Foodbank which is based in the car park at The New Stalybridge Labour Club.
“Demand is higher than it ever has been and I get more and more messages in my inbox each week,” he said.
Steve added January and February have seen unprecedented demand and shelves, which had been 80-90 per cent full are now down to 30 per cent.
Items which are in short supply include tinned meat, meat balls, pasta sauce and beans.