INSTEAD of a traditional harvest festival this year, one Winsford church is hosting a drive-through food collection to help two local good causes.

St Chad’s Church, on Swanlow Lane, is supporting Mid Cheshire Food Bank and The Salvation Army by switching the way it collects festive donations.

Supporters are encouraged to take whatever non-perishable items of food they can spare in their vehicles to donate to the church’s harvest gathering on Saturday, October 10.

Tinned items that are particularly sought-after include desserts, fish, fruit, and vegetables, as well as toiletries, long-life milk, coffee, and pasta sauce. 

The Reverend Joe Smith, the church’s curate, said: “Normally there'd be lots of collections in schools and other places, but this year we have to do things differently.”Northwich Guardian: The Reverend Chris Moore and the Reverend Joe Smith of St Chad's Church in Winsford. The Reverend Chris Moore and the Reverend Joe Smith of St Chad's Church in Winsford.

Between 11am and 1pm, visitors are welcome to the car park at the back of the church where they can then follow a one-way system to a pop-up tent where they can drop off their donations. 

The church will still hold a harvest service on Sunday, October 11, which will be subject to the strict COVID 19 rules. Donations gathered on Saturday be blessed in church on Monday, October 12 before making their way to the two Winsford charities.

Rev Smith added: “It is so hard for everyone just now, but rather than getting upset and down about what is happening, we are looking at how we can make things better for other people in our community.

“One thing that has been really prevalent in this time is the sense of community spirit in Winsford – people looking after their neighbours, getting to know their community better, taking care of each other.”