Social media influencers, The Maka Twins, who are known for cleaning public spaces around London, donated their time and cleaning skills to Nunhead Salvation Army to help the church and charity prepare for a summer of free or low-cost family activities.
As well as offering £1 food bags for children every day of the summer holidays, families can enjoy free activities including board games, arts and crafts at Nunhead Salvation Army. This aims to help ease financial pressure on families who will miss out on the free school meals and free breakfast clubs that are available during term time.
The Maka Twins, John and James Makanjuola helped to tidy up an outdoor space at Nunhead Salvation Army where families can sit outside, play games and enjoy drinks and snacks from the café at the church. The twins helped at the food bank and then cleaned tables and chairs and did some weeding, sweeping up and watering of plants in the outdoor church space.
John said: “All kids should be able to relax and have some fun over the summer holidays, but we know too many families can barely afford to feed their kids, never mind pay for days out or activities.
“We love the work The Salvation Army does to help families who struggle with the cost of living, so we wanted to use our social media platform to raise awareness. We also love cleaning and it’s a pleasure to be able to tidy up the outdoor area at Nunhead Salvation Army to get it ready for summer family fun.”
Captain Katy Shubotham, church leader at Nunhead Salvation Army said: “Children being able to enjoy the summer should not be a luxury and no child should go hungry. Families deserve to have access to affordable and nutritious food options especially when they’re out and about with their children and our £1 food bags have been put together with this in mind.”
Maria is a mother of three children and will pick up a £1 food bag over the summer holidays for her youngest child who is eight. Due to the cost of childcare and because she has some health conditions, Maria gave up work after her youngest child was born. Although her husband works full-time, with the rising cost of living Maria’s family has to budget to be able to afford the essentials.
Maria said: “I notice the cost of my weekly food shop rising every week and money just doesn’t stretch far enough. I am always looking for the cheapest options and have to budget.
“The £1 food bags are so handy and affordable and if we go somewhere like the local park, getting one will take away the stress of having to buy food for a picnic or worrying about the cost of food when we’re out. I’ll probably pick up a bag a couple of times a week over the summer and I’m also happy that they provide my child with a nice and nutritious lunch.”
The church runs a busy food bank which is the only one in the area that can be accessed by anyone who needs support. It also has an affordable community café and the £1 food bags which include a sandwich, fruit, crisps and a drink, can be picked up from there.
Free activities at Nunhead Salvation Army will take place every Thursday during the summer holidays starting from 23 July. Family members of all ages are welcome, and activities will include board games and crafts. For more information on Nunhead Salvation Army: https://www.salvationarmy.org.uk/nunhead
