The Ross-on-Wye Community Larder received two huge donations on Tuesday, December 18th. They were part of a recent round of big donations which are being made to food larders and food banks across the country in a bid to complete a social media challenge.

To complete the challenge, people have to film themselves filling up a trolley in a supermarket with donations for food banks in what many people have described as a ‘Christmas miracle.’

This wave of generosity was kicked off by a proud member of a traveller family from County Durham who challenged his friends on Facebook to film themselves loading up a trolley. The family believe that the trend has now spread worldwide.

Ross-on-Wye’s Community Larder, which is now in its new home in the basement of St Mary’s Church Hall, off Palace Pound, is grateful because the challenge led to a huge donation from a local family.

Father and daughter, Chloe and Gary Wakefield were nominated to fill a trolley full of groceries, and the Wakefields who know Watson Harrop Jr, who started the movement, through harness racing, completed the challenge and delivered all the groceries to the Community Larder too.

In addition to Chloe and Gary’s challenge donation, the Community Larder also received a trolley-load which was left in a nearby supermarket anonymously.

The Community Larder is excited about what else the challenge may bring to help keep their storeroom bursting with festive treats and staple foodstuffs.

A spokesperson for the Ross Community Larder said: “It means a lot, and it will ensure our stock levels stay healthy well into the New Year.

“We are so lucky to live in a community where the locals are so generous and caring towards those in need, at Christmas time, and at other times of the year. Here at the Larder, we are constantly amazed at the number of items donated at Morrisons, Sainsbury’s, from local companies, church groups and schools. In the last two weeks, we have received donations from PGL, Perfect Choice, TSB, the CWU, the Masons, St Briavels Primary School and Gorsley Goffs Primary School. Thank you all.”

The spokeperson did add that they hope the generosity will continue in the spring as often March is the time when the larder shelves are empty.