LAST week, The Northern Echo launched a new weekly feature in association with Heavenly Scent Florist, Darlington, in which we present a bouquet of flowers to an individual or group going the extra mile in their community.

The recipient of this week’s bouquet of the week is Caroline Todd, who manages King’s Church foodbank in Darlington.

Why do they deserve this gift?

Mrs Todd was nominated by someone who requested to remain anonymous, for her commitment, and the kindness she shows to vulnerable members of the community. Not only making sure people are able to eat a decent meal every day, Mrs Todd and her team, which includes many volunteers – some who are former foodbank users – are a moral support network for thousands of people every year, with a warm welcome and hot drink, or homemade soup in the winter. The team supports a variety of people, who for one reason or another find themselves in hardship.

What is the most deserving thing they have done?

Mrs Todd’s selflessness and dedication is worthy of recognition, and the foodbank has become a safe place where people who find themselves in times of hardship can go and receive an emergency bag of food. King’s foodbank does some great work in the Darlington area and is helping to make a difference. In six months alone Mrs Todd and her team supply more than 40,000 individual meals to families in need.

Describe them in three words.

Kind, warm and caring.

Mrs Todd was presented with her bouquet on Tuesday. She said: “I’m really shocked. You don’t expect to get nominated for something like this, you just do it because you love to do what you do.

“It’s a lovely gesture and brings something special to our day.

“All we want to do is help people. We just try to be a listening ear to make this place really welcoming and make people feel part of the family.

“It’s the best job in the world and I love it.”

If you would like to nominate a special person or group for The Northern Echo’s Bouquet of the Week then please get in touch.

You can send your nominations to jo.kelly@newsquest.co.uk, making sure to include your contact details, or call us on 01325-505036.

  • The flowers are kindly provided by the team at Heavenly Scent Florist, Bondgate, Darlington, 01325-389933.