A MONKTON based charity which is committed to helping the poorest of the poor has had to relocate its distribution centre because thieves have been stealing their stock. PATCH Charity whose HQ is located in Milford Haven has been offered temporary space in the CAB building in Pembroke Dock. Voicing his regret that the charity would no longer be able to operate from their base at Long Mains Monkton Chairman Dennis O’Connor said “Recently we have experienced several incidents involving theft from the food bank. Regrettably, despite repeated attempts to ensure security, the most recent theft was discovered on Friday (Oct 31).

Dyfed-Powys Police have been informed and are currently investigating” Coordinator Tracy Olin is saddened by this unexpected development but remains clearly undaunted in her determination to continue to meet the needs of those who rely on PATCH for help. She said “The numbers affected vary from week to week and month to month. We are probably helping some 40 – 69 people a month. And although I feel devastated by what’s happened the people of Pembrokeshire have rallied around again and supported us wonderfully.

We are very disappointed of course but we have reached the conclusion that we really believe this is God’s timing and that the provision will continue to come. The support we have received from churches, individuals and companies is fantastic. I am constantly amazed by peoples’ generosity” She continued “I cannot stress how grateful I am to CAB for the way they have stepped in to help us at this crucial moment. We can use a room in their building in Meyrick Street. We will be there11am – 1pm on Tuesdays until we find a new home. It will be just for food as they have no storage space. We will bring food parcels from Milford. And I would ask anyone visiting PATCH please to use the client entrance only. All referral will have to be phoned through first so we know what food to take over” “Parcels will only be available between 11 and 1 on Tuesdays and clients cannot pick up from there at any other time.

We are incredibly grateful to CAB who we have worked with for a very long time. They are an amazing charity that support and help many of our clients and we sign post on to them often” “Clothing and Household items will have to be collected from our Milford HQ. We apologise for any inconvenience, but the situation is out of our control and we would have been really stuck without the help of CAB” PATCH Charity, which celebrated its sixth birthday recently, operates as a Basics Bank rather than a simple food bank.

Consequently PATCH provides food parcels for people who for various reasons are unable to feed themselves. It also provides clothing for people who cannot afford clothing and household basics such as kettles, pots and pans. It aims to support individuals, couples and families ensuring that people are able to access the support they need to help them, whether that be through the provision of food and clothes, or by signposting to other agencies. Pembroke’s Deputy Mayor Councilor Pauline Waters told The Herald: “This kind of initiative is desperately needed however the help is given.

And we need to find ways of helping those out of the loop and who do not have access to the normal channels of help. Sadly incidents like this only remind us what type of society we are living in today where so many people are just out for themselves” “As a local councilor I would appreciate feedback from those have been help[ed over the years so that we can do all we can to enrich the life or our town and community. Local people are so sad but they are also saying maybe we should be praying for those who have done it”