When a few people got together to set up a Pets Foodbank for Glossop back in December, little did they know the impact it would have. 

Marlyn Donovan, one of three Glossop women currently running this new community venture, said: “When we started up the Pets Foodbank in December last year, our biggest fear was that people would come and we would not have enough to give them!” 

In fact, the group has been overwhelmed by the generosity of Glossop pet lovers. 

They have supported the group by donating quantities of dog, cat, and even hamster food via the dump bins that the women placed in local stores, cafes, and grooming parlours around the town. 

Marlyn started up the Pet Foodbank, along with friend Sadie Lund and Linda Artingstall, who also volunteers with ‘Lend A Paw Rescue’ an organisation bringing homeless and often traumatised dogs from Macedonia, and who has brought valuable experience to the group. 

There is also now a team of volunteers who help with the distribution evenings which are held on Wednesdays between 7.15am and 8.15am, in the foyer of Central Methodist Church in Glossop. 

“We have many people to be grateful to,” said Marlyn. “Our volunteers, and others who have helped us out in different ways. 

“Like Nicola from Contented Canines, who provided us with our first space to distribute from, the Methodist church, who let us use the building for free, because we don’t have any funds, and Fiona and Daryl from Windoorfix who are currently looking after stock for us because we cannot find storage. 

“And of course, the wonderful, generous people of Glossop!” 

The group have had to close most of the bins for a couple of weeks, but will be opening them again next week, as they meet the needs of those who go along on Wednesday evenings to collect food for their pets. 

They’ve also been delivering food to a few places when people for whatever reason can’t get to the evening sessions.  

The group say it has been quite humbling how grateful individuals are for the food, and often express a wish to give back, or repay when they are able. 

They are hoping to set up another open session, this time in Gamesley, where the group are currently trying the find a venue. More information about this, when it starts up, will be on the group's Facebook page. 

Currently they are also looking for somewhere they can store donated stock is asked to get in touch by emailing glossoppetsfoodmbank@gmail.com. The group also want to hear for anyone who can held out in any way. 

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