The High Sheriff of Cheshire, Jeannie France-Hayhurst, made a very welcome visit to Bare Necessities Toiletry Bank to find out more about what the charity does.

Jeannie who visited along with Mark Salmon from “Amelia Knight” the cosmetic manufacturer and supporter of Bare Necessities and Debbie Smith from Cheshire Community Foundation, were welcomed by Chair Wendy Hobson at the hub in Wilmslow where all the action happens. “Team Tuesday”, some of the volunteers who collect donations, pack bags and deliver toiletries to 32 charities in the Cheshire East and South Manchester area, were on hand to explain to the High Sheriff just how the charity works and how we rely on the generosity of people within Cheshire to donate both products, money and time.

A selection of tote bags was being packed as the guests arrived. Mike Calderbank, Trustee of Bare Necessities explained, “We have 4 different totes that carry a range of toiletries, hygiene products and beauty treats that are distributed to men, women, teen girls & boys with their requirements differing in each bag. The totes are distributed across five sectors: women, youth & schools, mother & baby, foodbanks and street homeless. With the 32 charities receiving a delivery monthly.”

The High Sheriff then turned her hand to helping volunteer Fiona pack some of the “Street Homeless” bags, which contain a smaller amount of toiletry essentials in mini form.

The High Sheriff commented, “It was terrific to see such a hive of industry and volunteers doing so much for women to raise their self-worth and self-respect. It was a delight to meet the team and to see how much they achieve in a small place and in a short time with such astonishing efficiency. The entire vision is one which builds self-respect and makes a huge difference to those who often have no one else thinking of them. You all deserve huge credit for what you do and I’m very proud that your kindness is making such a difference in Cheshire.”

If you can buy an extra toiletry in your weekly shop or have any unused, unwanted makeup and toiletries, full sized or minis please drop them off into the donation boxes. Locations can be found on the website, alternatively, you can donate online via the website