Reflections on 2020
When The Well started in 1 church with a small pink donation box over 14 years ago, little did we know what God had in store, or what challenges would face many living in Wolverhampton & South Staffordshire.
As we reflect on how this year has unfolded, we are so grateful that Jesus is ‘Immanuel’, which means ‘God with us.’
We believe that God is very much alive and is always speaking, if we will listen.
In January, a church leader in the city told us that they felt The Well was going to become an abundant well of provision, a Joseph storehouse. 11 months later, we can say that this is exactly what has happened. God has stirred people to give, so this is a celebration of community generosity, inspired by the God who gave everything to give us all hope and eternal life.
Like every other foodbank across the UK, we have supported more people with food & toiletries this year than in any previous year. Over 11,000 people, a 10% increase, across all ages, family sizes, communities & cultures. (Full statistics will be released early next year.)
We recently received this message from one of the Referral Agencies:
‘The Well delivered a food parcel yesterday to a lady I’ve been helping. This is what she wrote:
I've just had the food delivery. Thank you so so much. This means the world. And the strange thing is, over the last few days I've been praying to God to help me....& every single item has a little sticker on, saying 'with love from Jesus Christ '. I can't stop crying! Thank you xxx
Could you share this with your team please to show them how much their voluntary work means to people they help. Thank you all so much, you’re truly wonderful. God bless and take care.’
Our deepest thanks to everyone who has donated food, toiletries, nappies, & finance. Whether 1 tin/£1 or 750kg(a new record)/£1000, or anything in between, each donation is precious. They enable us to support the rising tide of families, couples, and single people of all ages in need.
It would take a small book to list everyoe who has supported us during 2020, so we’re just highlighting one new initiative which came straight out of lockdown restrictions.
St. Michael’s Church on Coalway Road set up a Drive Thru Donation Point in the Summer, which is still going strong. A brilliant idea, only made possible by the dedicated team of volunteers from the church who run it. Our thanks to them!
What a year it has been for generosity – off the scale (& we have some pretty big scales in the warehouse!!!).
We don’t pursue fundraising so have been humbled at the outpouring of support and creative things so many people have done.
Thank you to everyone who has given their time…and often a lot of physical energy…on our behalf. Thank you as well to all who have supported sponsored them!
Here are some of the highlights:
March: Brooke’s Head Shave / Canalside Bar & Grill Quiz Nights Donation
April: Age of Elegance raffle
June: The Barmy Well Walkers (Bridgnorth to Arley & back)
July: A2B Challenge (walking, running & cycling)
Sept-Dec: Carolyn’s Conqueror Event - A virtual run from Land’s End to John O’Groats
Nov: Wolves Fans Parliament ‘Boycott Pay Per View’
Dec: Wolverhampton Grammar School Non Uniform Day / Ramfoam Raffle / Quizzes (Anthem Voices & BCRS) / Virtual 5k Turkey Trot organised by members of Wolves & Bilston AC
If you’re up for doing something creative to support us in 2021, do get in touch and we can guide you on the practicalities.
It was a very sad time in March when over 30 of our long-term dedicated team had to shield. Many continue to do so, and they are all in our thoughts and prayers. We miss them all dearly.
Alongside this, we do celebrate the wonderful team of new volunteers that God has sent us to cover the lockdown gap. From students & those furloughed, wanting to do something useful with their time, to others just wanting to help in this time of national crisis.
The Well family has expanded considerably, and we are so looking forward to the day when the old & new team can join together.
One of the heartening things that has come out of Covid19 & lockdown, is the support from our City Council, local shops & businesses.
Between April-December we have received Council Food Distribution Hub boxes weekly, to which we have added other items to make our full parcels. We have also been able to share them with other projects.
In the early days of lockdown, B & M, & Mid Counties Coop both gave us a budget to spend in their stores.
Our donation points at Sainsbury’s (Wombourne & Wednesfield), & Asda have been supported amazingly by shoppers.
Finally, a shout out to all the Managers at Sainsbury’s, Wednesfield who have gone the ‘extra mile’ to help us make bulk orders through the store.
Romans 5, in the New Testament, say this:
We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they are good for us—they help us learn to be patient. And patience develops strength of character in us and helps us trust God more each time we use it until finally our hope and faith are strong and steady. Then, when that happens, we are able to hold our heads high no matter what happens and know that all is well, for we know how dearly God loves us, and we feel this warm love everywhere within us because God has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love. When we were utterly helpless, with no way of escape, Christ came at just the right time.
We look forward to 2021 with great hope – hope in God’s faithfulness and presence with us & hope in His love and peace, whatever may come.
Our prayer is that you may also walk on this hope-filled journey that Jesus offers to us all.
Happy New Year!