Macclesfield's new rail operator have brought an excellent idea to our town's station on Waters Green.

Avanti West Coast has created a dedicated donation point with Silklife Foodbank in Macclesfield, to enable the charity to help others in need across local community.

The train operating company has teamed up with the Macc food bank to meet increased demand for emergency food parcels in the area, to help ensure that no Maxonian should go hungry.

Avanti West Coast's team at Macclesfield decided to accept donations after learning more people were being referred to Silklife as a result of the pandemic.

The current average referral rate per month is 175 - an increase of 95% on this time last year.

The sealed donation point, located in the station's booking hall, provides a prominent place in the town for the community to donate food items.

You can also make a make a financial donation to keep the food bank stocked up.

A QR code (a distinctive code that can be scanned with a smart phone or device) which links to Silklife Foodbank's JustGiving page, is also on display on the wall as part of the donation point – making it easier to pledge money.

All you need is a smartphone and internet connection.

Silklife's latest partnership with the long-distance operator aims to make it easier for the community, whose support is becoming increasingly more important.

Anyone who wishes to donate items of food can speak to a member of the Avanti West Coast team at the station. They can then open the box and complete your kind gesture.

The box of dry goods and tins will be emptied regularly.

Laura Harper, Avanti West Coast Station Manager at Macclesfield, said: "We want to make a difference in the communities we serve, so we're proud to have joined up with Silklife Foodbank to support their vital work with a donation point at Macclesfield station.

"By making it easier for our customers and the community to do their bit to help others, we hope to keep Silklife Foodbank stocked up so they can provide for those in need, which is more important than ever as we continue to face the impact of the pandemic."

Dan Blackman, Silklife Foodbank Manager, said: "We are really excited that Avanti West Coast has agreed to site a food donation point at Macclesfield station."

"This will be a huge help to those wishing to donate food outside of the usual foodbank opening hours.

"Avanti West coast has also agreed to launch our first-ever window sticker in Macclesfield, that allows anyone with a mobile device to scan the QR code and donate to the foodbank through JustGiving.

"We are really grateful to Avanti West Coast and all the rail users who help us to help others."

Silklife Foodbank is located on Silk Life Centre, George St. It was founded in December 2010.

They currently serve at least 175 families a month, which is set to increase with Avanti's helpful new box which thousands will pass each day.

You can learn more about the Macclesfield good cause here and here.

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