SURREY Mirror readers, you are phenomenal!
This Christmas, we asked for your help to sustain a growing number of food banks across East Surrey as an increasing number of residents find themselves in a desperate crisis, as part of our Give the Gift of Food appeal.
We could not have anticipated the incredible response.
Our offices have been inundated with hundreds of tins, packets and jars, cartons and bottles, which will make an incredible difference to those hitting hard times now and in the new year.
Readers have sacrificed Christmas presents to contribute and one lady turned up with boxes stuffed with £100 worth of food.
Maureen James, who organises the food bank at St Matthew's Church in Redhill's Station Road, which was set up earlier this year, said the appeal has raised awareness about the issue of hunger in our communities.
"We really feel that the people of Redhill and Reigate have taken this on as their thing," she said. "Donations have been coming in from all sorts of groups and people and we are enormously grateful for everything. It is going to be a long winter so all of the food donated will be used.
"It has just been very moving, and a sign that community is alive and well.
"It is awful that we have got to do all this but thank goodness this appeal has triggered something."
Gill Bailey is co-ordinating another of East Surrey's new food banks, based at Caterham Baptist Church. Reacting to the scale of your donations, she said: "Wow!
"That's an amazing response.
"The generosity of the public always astounds me."
