Whitehead Storehouse

Harvest is a time of reflection, gratitude, and above all, generosity. This time, we want to extend our heartfelt thanks to Saint Patrick’s and St John’s Church of Ireland for their exceptional generosity in donating to Whitehead Storehouse. Their act of kindness has not only enriched our community but also filled our hearts with gratitude.These two churches belong to the same parish and held two joint services at which parishioners donated. The first set of pictures are from the Thanksgiving Service held in St Patrick’s Church and the second set of pictures from the Thanksgiving Service held in St John’s Chruch.

We are all Interconnected

Pictures from St Patrick’s Harvest Thanksgiving Service

The harvest season serves as a poignant reminder of the interconnectedness of life and the importance of sharing our blessings with those in need. It is a time when communities come together to give thanks for the abundance of the land and to ensure that no one in their midst goes without.

The heart of the Church of Ireland’s donation was centred on providing much-needed nourishment for those facing food insecurity in our community. Shelves in the Storehouse  now have essential items, ready to offer sustenance to families experiencing difficult times. The act of providing food extends far beyond nourishing bodies; it also nourishes the spirit.

Pictures from St John’s Harvest Thanksgiving Service

As we celebrate this year’s harvest season, let us carry the spirit of giving with us throughout the year. Supporting local food banks and charities is not limited to a season; it’s a year-round commitment to ensuring that everyone in our community has access to the essentials they need.

In the heart of Islandmagee, Islandmagee Presbyterian Church stands as a shining beacon of kindness. Their recent harvest donation to Whitehead Storehouse  has not only warmed our hearts but has also nourished the lives of many in our community.

Harvesting the Spirit of Giving:

The harvest season is a time when we reflect on the abundance of nature and the importance of gratitude. It’s a season of giving thanks for the blessings we receive and sharing those blessings with others who may be less fortunate. The Islandmagee Presbyterian Church, in their remarkable act of kindness, has embodied the true spirit of this season and we thank them very much for their generous donations of food staples plus cash and vouchers.

Filling Pantries, Filling Hearts:

The heart of their donation revolved around providing essential food items to the Storehouse, which will help us to ensure that families in our community will not go to bed hungry. The simple act of providing food has touched the lives of many, offering a lifeline to those facing food insecurity.

In the crisp autumn air, as the leaves turn to hues of gold and red, our hearts too are warmed by the spirit of gratitude and community. It’s harvest season, a time when we come together to give thanks for the bountiful gifts of the earth. This year, Whitehead Methodist Church has celebrated the harvest by generously donating to Whitehead Storehouse and thus making a positive impact on our community.

The Power of Harvest Festivals:

Harvest festivals have a long-standing tradition in communities worldwide. They serve as a reminder of our connection to the land and the importance of gratitude. Beyond the festivities and feasts, these celebrations underscore the value of sharing our blessings with others, especially those who may be less fortunate.

This year, the congregation of Whitehead Methodist Church embodied the true spirit of harvest by making substantial food donations to Whitehead Storehouse. Their contributions will touch the lives of many in our community, providing not only much-needed sustenance but also a sense of hope and support during challenging times.

The heart of their donation centred on providing food to those facing hunger and in economic difficulties in our community. Canned goods and other essential items found their way to Whitehead Storehouse, ready for distribution to individuals and families struggling to put meals on the table. They also gave a further £210 in donations. Thank you very much Whitehead Methodist Church.

Harvest 2023

Autumn has arrived, we have now passed the Autumn equinox, the nights are drawing in, and harvest is coming up.

If anyone is thinking of donating to Whitehead Storehouse, to help those in economic difficulty through the coming winter, there are some staple food cupboard items that are needed and others of which we currently have plenty. If you can donate anything (or your organisation is thinking of donating) here are some suggested items that we need:

Needed Items

morning/breakfast juice, dilute juice, tins of potatoes ravioli, spaghetti, carrots, ham, pork luncheon meat, fray bentos pies, jams, marmalade, tins of custard, dessert rice and fruit, tuna, coffee, cereals, biscuits and a variety of toiletries.

Items Currently in Sufficient Supply

Whitehead Storehouse currently has enough of the following:

soup, beans, pasta, pasta sauce, tinned tomatoes, peas, sweetcorn and tea.

Other Store Cupboard Items

If you wish to donate anything else you would like to add, we would be very happy with that, provided the items are not on the list showing we have sufficient.

Thank You For Reading

Thank you very much for reading this far, no matter whether you can donate or not.

Grant and Donation of School Uniform

In every community, there are local businesses that go above and beyond to make a positive impact on the lives of others. Today, Whitehead Storehouse wants to extend our heartfelt appreciation to a remarkable store, ASDA in Larne, that has shown immense generosity and support to our charity. Through their grant of £800 and the donation of new school uniforms for primary school-age children, they have made a tangible difference to those in need.

At a time when resources are scarce, the local store stepped forward with open hearts and a commitment to making a meaningful change. Their £800 grant has provided us with invaluable financial support, empowering us to further our mission of providing food support for individuals and families in economic difficulties in the local community of Whitehead, Ballycarry and Islandmagee. With this grant, we can expand our efforts and enhance the lives of those needing food.

But their kindness didn’t stop there. The store also donated a significant number of new school uniforms, addressing a critical need that often goes unnoticed. For many families, ensuring that their children have proper school attire can be a challenge. However, thanks to the store’s benevolence, we can now provide these children with new uniforms that foster a sense of belonging and equality within their educational environment.

We cannot overstate the impact this store’s contributions will have on the lives of these children. By alleviating the financial burden and allowing them to proudly wear their new uniforms, they are creating a positive learning environment where all students can thrive. The store’s support has not only made these children feel included but has also boosted their confidence and self-esteem, setting them up for success both inside and outside the classroom.

On behalf of the Whitehead, Ballycarry and Islandmagee area, we extend our deepest gratitude to our local store. Their unwavering commitment to the community has truly made a difference. We are grateful for their partnership, generosity, and dedication to uplifting those in need.

In a world where acts of kindness often go unnoticed, it is essential to acknowledge the exceptional efforts of businesses that prioritize making a positive impact. Our local store’s £800 grant and the donation of new school uniforms will touch the lives of many in our community. We are immensely grateful for their compassion and support, and we hope their remarkable example inspires others.

How Whitehead Storehouse Distributed The Uniforms

Whitehead Storehouse volunteers contacted local schools to work with staff to identify those children that might need help with school uniform for the incoming year. It has been possible to distribute all grey and navy school uniform items. It will be necessary to go a little further afield to work with schools that use black uniform clothes.