I RECENTLY received a letter, perhaps because of the

publicity in your newspaper, from a person who simply

signed themselves as 'an OAP'.

The unnamed OAP was expressing their delight that the

Baptist Church in Okehampton is planning to run a

Foodbank for those in need in the community and expect

to have it up and running before the end of October.

This person's letter is worth quoting: 'There are those

who say all the Church is interested in is raising money,

not a very good reputation you must agree, but to find a

church that wants to give and help the needy is a breath

of fresh air.'

The person also refers to living on a state pension and

says 'Many of us will have to make a choice between

keeping warm and eating'.

I am writing this letter for two reasons. Firstly, I am

hoping that the person who wrote to me will now phone

me, because I would like to speak to them and let them

know of other help that we are able to give now, rather

than waiting until October.

Secondly, and here I am in danger of being accused of

asking for money, I would like to invite those who will not

have to choose between 'eating and heating' to become a

Friend of Okehampton Foodbank for a minimum of £10

per annum. We are expecting to have to spend £8,250 to

get the project started, and need all the help and support

that we can get.

Please would you help us to help others, whatever their

age group.

The Rev Barry L Walton

Project co-ordinator

01837 659733