Mansfield photographer spends lockdown collecting food for families in need

Elizabeth Orridge, whose photography studio is in Pecks Hill, was forced to close her business in line with government rules and the four-week coronavirus lockdown.

But she decided to put her time in lockdown to good use and, throughout November, collected food and toiletries for local families who may be struggling.

With the help of friends, family, customers, members of the public and local businesses, she managed to raise £330, which was used to buy food from Morrisons in Mansfield to create 133 food hampers.

These were then given out to nine different schools and charity organisations in the Mansfield area.

Elizabeth said: “I don’t think anyone in our community should have to face going hungry, and so we all came together, mostly virtually, with the goal of helping families who may be in need of additional support.

“Massive thank yous go to the business group Mansfield and Ashfield 2020 for their kind donation of £250 and also to everyone who has donated food or money, or given boxes for this cause.

“It is so heartwarming to have come together as a community to support local families this Christmas.

"Together, we have changed someone’s Christmas for the better.”

The hampers were distributed to Brunts Academy, Beech Academy, Bramble Academy, Crescent Primary, Eastlands Junior School, Clipstone Community Group, Schools Out, St Peters and St Pauls Church food bank, and to children’s centres.

Gary Jordan, chair of Mansfield and Ashfield 2020, said: “It’s at times like this when people really show their community spirit, and we are delighted to have played our small part in supporting Elizabeth to achieve her goal of helping others.”