A SUCCESSFUL community fridge is appealing for more volunteers as their efforts continue to grow.

The Halstead Community Fridge, which is based within the Lodge Gate Building in the Causeway, was set up by the Halstead Community Fridge Trust in 2018.

Since then, the fridge has continued to grow and accepts donations of food and other products from residents which others can come and claim.

However, following the arrival of the coronavirus pandemic in March, the importance of the fridge in the community has grown.

As a result, the fridge is taking on more donations, even getting regular supplies from big supermarkets such as the M&S in Colchester, Tescos and Halstead’s Lidl.

While this means the fridge can provide for greater numbers, the increased demand has sparked an appeal from the fridge for more volunteers to come forward to help with staffing.

Trustee and Town Clerk Sarah Greatorex says the fridge is on the look out for more local people to add to their group of volunteers.

She said: “The Halstead Community Fridge continues to be a success story.

“It has helped numerous local families in particular since March when incomes have been reduced.

“All kinds of people pop in just to see what is available – as it is never predictable.

“The fridge benefits from a daily donation from M&S in Colchester, once or twice weekly from Tescos, and recently daily donations from the Halstead Lidl, who usually give fruit and vegetables.

“So you can supplement your diet with tasty sourdough bread one day and cauliflower the next.

“Recently there has been an abundance of poinsettias as well a daily bunches of fresh flowers.

“The fridge is run entirely by volunteers, who open up, close up, clean up and tidy daily. They also collect donations.

“With the increased surplus, it would be useful to have a few more local people who would like to get involved.

“If you could give a few hours a week, please contact the Halstead Town Clerk on townclerk@halsteadtowncouncil.org.uk “