Schoolboy who launched food bank from garden shed opens 'present bank' for Xmas

13 December 2023 , 16:59

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Isaac Winfield with his 'toy bank' (Image: Joseph Walshe / SWNS)

A schoolboy who used birthday money to launch a food bank from his garden shed has now opened a present bank for Christmas.

Kind-hearted Isaac Winfield has enlisted the help of a local pub to store all the gifts donated to him. More than 200 youngsters turned up on the opening day to receive free toy parcels from the 12-year-old.

Isaac melted the nation’s hearts when he opened his first food bank outside his house in Redditch, Worcs, in December 2020. He went on to set up another four in the town. Isaac was left heartbroken two months ago when a thief in a sinister panda mask robbed the food bank outside his family home. But he vowed to carry on donating and collecting for those less fortunate than himself and well-wishers joined forces to restock it.

Two months ago, Isaac was robbed by a thief in a panda mask (Joseph Walshe / SWNS)

Proud mum Claire, 43, said: “Christmas can be a stressful time. “Isaac wanted to help as many people as possible have a celebration without worrying about what is under the tree.

“He is absolutely ecstatic seeing his shelves full with toys and gifts. He has dedicated his weekends and spare time to helping. It is the best Christmas present he could have asked for. Isaac wrote to Santa this year asking if he could bring poor children presents instead – all he wants to do is help people. In the first day we had 200 children arriving for toy parcels. We’re busier than ever.

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“The response has been phenomenal. We’ve had baby toys, books, dolls, teddies, Nerf guns, blankets, toiletries; there’s a bit of everything.”

Claire added: “We were blown away by the donations we’ve had since the theft. Isaac has gone from being heartbroken to elated. So many people have shown amazing generosity. When the theft happened, Isaac was devastated but this has restored his faith in humanity and really shows the goodness in people.”

Martin Fricker