Readers of the Medway Messenger have shown remarkable generosity in their support for our Christmas appeal.

Medway Foodbank has added up the amount of food that our kind-hearted readers have given in to our collection points – and it is a whopping 2.16 tonnes (2,164 kg).

That’s a lot of soup tins, teabags and packets of cereal – much of which has already been distributed to individuals and families in crisis this Christmas.

We can’t thank our readers enough for responding in their hundreds, if not thousands, to our Christmas campaign to help the most vulnerable people in Medway.

Foodbank warehouse manager Kevin Jennings said: “We are so grateful to readers of the Medway Messenger and all who have donated recently and would like to remind them that the need for food for those in crisis will continue, and possibly increase, after Christmas.

“If Medway folk are able to continue with their generosity then we will be able to continue to help their neighbours, families and friends when they are in a crisis and need food.”

Medway Foodbank coordinator Helen Gallagher, who left the charity on Friday after two years at the helm, said they have enough food in their warehouse to help families through the winter.

Strood firm Ward Security will be keeping the donations safe over the Christmas period after offering to help out at the warehouse on the Medway City Estate.

They will patrol the perimeter and have also installed a wireless intruder detection system free of charge.

The company is also providing a van and driver to collect donated food from local Tesco stores.

David Ward, managing director of Ward Security, said: “Our contribution helps the volunteers feel safe, particularly when they are working late, and also makes sure the food that has been donated is held in a secure environment before it is delivered to those in need."

Mr Jennings said: “The extra van driver and helpers in the warehouse really will benefit the charity and the security gives us additional peace of mind.”

The Medway Foodbank has gone from strength to strength in its second year of operation, now feeding 3,477 people, compared to 1,118 in its first year – a three-fold increase.

• For more information about the foodbank, volunteering, or where to donate food visit www.medway.foodbank.org.uk/