Crate Expectations: a GoodGym classic!

The Foodbank was throbbing from a busy morning when GoodGymers arrived to provide backup. We welcomed Sally who arrived with enthusiasm for her first GoodGym community mission. We're thrilled you have joined us and hope to see you again soon.

Our original assignment of making long-dated food parcels was superseded by the need to free up bale crates to safely store the provisions.

The first shift of six quickly got stuck in. Tav moved supplies of parcels from storage shed to the reception area for distribution next week. He then scoured the warehouse for flat-packed containers. Robin took on the solo task of decanting milk from larger to smaller containers, then stacking and date ordering them. The rest tackled a back log of baby products which needed splitting into milk and food items then arranging by date, either quarterly or monthly, depending on volume. We admired the patience of regular volunteers in scrutinising packets and cartons for the all important 'Best Before' dates, but worked until our eyes were squiffy and the crates were neatly arranged! The team marvelled at the choice of quality, organic meals for toddlers and the generosity of people donating these vital products. 'Ella's Kitchen' pouches featured large and we celebrated the lively wholesomeness of our very own GoodGym Ella - it's all in a name!

Shift one worked tirelessly, got warehouse shelves looking orderly and freed space for further donations. Robin achieved a first good-to-go milk section but, mainly, a tall stack of empty bale crates. Well done.

The second shift of six arrived super punctually with keen eye-smiles and warmed up muscles. James worked on decanting and date-sorting a second load of long-life milk, freeing up further bale crates. He then moved onto juice and squash which needed moving from the donation and weighing counters. The rest took boxes and boxes of cereal to the outdoor space where they soon organised a system for sorting porridge from cereals, discarding out-of-date or broken packaging and - you guessed it - date ordering the many suitable items! The group chatted and sang their way through the task as the sun's rays faded and we zippered up and raised hoods. And as the Foodbank radio blasted familiar pop, Nick entertained us with his smoother than smooth dance moves! Finally, Naomi led a composed reorganisation of the cereal section while others shunted boxes.

The focussed approach of shift two meant valuable work got nailed in a swift and orderly manner. Well done.

Michael Beckett (Chief Officer) was hugely satisfied that the warehouse is looking shipshape once more and a mountain of empty crates is ready to be filled with more parcels to feed struggling people. It's going to be a worrying winter for so many this year and, with 50 plus daily parcels going out in usual times, the demand is predicted to be vastly greater this pandemic year.

Thank you everyone for your time, your company and your work today.

Keep exercising, keep well and we hope to see you at a mission soon.