In the wake of the floods, many people across North Lancashire and South Cumbria have suffered severe damage to their properties and in some cases have been left without vital supplies.
A number of organisations have stepped up to help people in need during this time, by gathering non-perishable goods and arranging delivery to some of the worst affected areas.
If you would like to contact us in regards to adding to our list, please contact us on 01524 848969.
KENDAL
Firstly in Kendal, the Kendal Rotary Clubs have started joint fundraising for the Cumbria Flood Victims.
The Kendal Rotary and Kendal South Westmorland Rotary Clubs are spending Friday Decemeber 11th at the Birdcage in Kendal, collecting funds for the victims of the recent floods.
They will be at the Birdcage from 9am until 4pm collecting cash.
The monies collected will be forwarded to the Cumbria Foundation Cumbria Flood Appeal 2015 for onward distribution to those affected by the Floods.
The Kendal South Westmorland Rotary Club has, in addition, decided to donate £2000 from it’s Charity Account to the Fund.
THE LAKE DISTRICT
There will be a one day donation station at the Marchesi Centre, Windermere on Tuesday 15th December 2015 from 10am to 6.30pm.
People are asked to please ensure items are neatly packed and labelled.
Donations of any boxes, carrier bags would be appreciated for ease of transportation.
Volunteers are still needed on the day and also anyone with a van to transport to drop off points in Kendal.
Meanwhile, the majority of National Trust properties across the Lake District and Cumbria will open their doors to the public this weekend in the aftermath of the recent floods.
With the exception of Wordsworth House (now closed for the season but has also been hit by the floods), they are aiming to open properties to include Sizergh, Tarn Hows, Acorn Bank, Wray Castle and Allan Bank in the run up to Christmas.
People are asked to check individual property websites before visiting.
The National Trust says it is still establishing the sheer scale of damage across our portfolio, but in the interim, their priority is to work with their properties and staff affected to support them on the ground.
LANCASTER AND MORECAMBE
The Morecambe Bay Foodbank, located at the G.Y.M. Methodist Church on Green Street, Morecambe is accepting donations as usual.
Elsewhere, Stanley Youth and Community Centre, Stanley Road in Morecambe is offering free food to those who need it, this Friday (11th December) between 10am and 2pm.
SCS Logistics, based in the Vickers Industrial Estate in Morecambe, is another such company that has decided to become a consolidation point to assist in supplying the relief and support needed, alongside the TPN Network.
They are requesting that staff, customers, suppliers, friends and family to kindly donate anything they can to this worthwhile cause.
Managing director Sandra Cottam-Shea says: “We are receiving donations of non-perishable essentials all the time and as soon as we have a full van-load, we are taking them to whichever area is in most need, including Keswick, Moreton Manor and Carlisle.
"We all need to do whatever we can to keep these people warm, safe and fed,” she says.
TPN is inviting anyone who would like to donate non-perishable items from anywhere in the UK to drop them into their local TPN depot, or its Minworth or Preston Hubs, which will ensure that they reach the people of Cumbria free of charge.
At the moment, the people of Cumbria need the following types of items: Sleeping bags; blankets; towels; new essential clothing; pet food; canned food; torches with batteries; toiletries.
Anyone who does not wish to donate physical goods to this cause can donate to the clean-up and rebuilding fund here.
Meanwhile, the Community Foundation for Lancashire has also launched its Flood Recovery Fund appeal.
It's to raise money to help cover clean-up costs, emergency repairs, clothing, food and drink, heating and heating equipment, childcare equipment and basic furniture.
Serving North Lancashire's residents, it will directly support struggling individuals and families affected by Storm Desmond.
Community Foundation for Lancashire has started the Appeal by making a £5,000 donation from its own Lancashire Community Investment Fund.
Local people and businesses can donate to the Recovery Fund’s Public Appeal online via a dedicated MyDonate webpage here.
HALTON
We have been told a lady called Diane is cooking up big pans of warm food for the residents of Halton.
Halton Village Stores have donated food and their staff along with locals will be helping Diane serve the food from the Centre at Halton from 3pm.
They will also be going to homes for those who can't get out.
BARROW
The Barrow Borough Council has granted a lady called Beth Richardson the use of Stall 29 on Barrow Market to collect for Cumbria Flood victims.
Things people need include: towels, blankets, pillows, pet food, pet blankets, clothes, torched and waterproof items.
Meanwhile, Barrow AFC is also now a drop off point.
They have set up this table in the reception on Wilkie Road thanks to the Supporters Trust and the club has agreed to match donations.
There is also a list of permanent food collection points in the Barrow area:
- Abbotsvale Community Centre
- ASDA, wheelie next to Community Board
- Barrow Neighbourhood Office
- Credit Union
- Dalton Co-op
- Evening mail offices
- Roose Road Co-op
- Tesco Extra