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A volunteer who has been working flat out to support those in need during the coronavirus crisis is calling for help with her latest initiative - Free Pizza for the NHS.
Reshmi Kalam, from Maidstone, started out by sending free hot cross buns to the elderly and vulnerable - but soon realised the number of people who needed help was much greater than she first thought.
So the 30-year-old signed up to be an NHS volunteer and joined the Covid-19 Mutual Aid Maidstone Facebook group, so she could coordinate with others.
She has formed a Sewing for the NHS group, which makes gowns, scrubs and bags, and organises fabric supply, pick-ups and deliveries.
The 30-year-old has also been working with many other charities and businesses to arrange for delicious hot meals for NHS staff, including Al-Amin Tandoori in Maidstone and Amada Sidwell from MADM.
A database of vulnerable families has been built by Ms Kalam, helping her to keep track of everyone's condition and requirements.
And she is now calling on more volunteers and donations to help get free pizza to NHS workers at Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells Hospitals.
Ms Kalam, who used to work as a human resources expert, has already made one delivery by herself to Maidstone Hospital last week, but wants it to be something which happens throughout the pandemic.
The food is bought from Tops Pizzas in Maidstone and so far, has gone down a treat.
She said: "Single-handedly, the cause will remain limited - I don't want this to be just a one-day affair - I want to support the NHS until we see the end of this pandemic."
Ms Kalam is focussing on Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells for now but says she may be able to cater for Medway Maritime Hospital too if there is the capacity.
She added: "In this time of crisis, I respect every key worker no matter which part of the world they live - they are all frontline heroes. Physically, I can only do what is in my capacity, but I wish to do more."
Ms Kalam also highlights that for anyone with sewing skills who feels isolated and wants something to engage their time in, Sewing for the NHS can supply them will all the materials they need.
She said: "This project is to make people feel like a key contributor to the NHS in this time of crisis. It can be for everyone irrespective of age or gender but I am particularly reaching out to the elderly, who are prone to succumb to loneliness otherwise. It feels like a blessing in itself to cheer them up while keeping them busy."
Ms Kalam added: "The Covid-19 Mutual Aid Maidstone Facebook group was founded by Jade Kerr to bring a difference to the community at this time of need and involve more volunteers. I hope my initiatives are contributing effectively to Jade's vision.
"I, along with other volunteers, am working seven days a week to make every possibility to reach out the vulnerable people- who are self-isolating.
"We are here as helping hand 24/7, available to support in every possible way.
To donate to the Free Pizza for the NHS initiative, visit the JustGiving page here.
The Covid-19 Mutual Aid Maidstone Facebook group now has more than 1,400 members. If you want to join the effort, or need some help, click here.
