SCHOOLS have come together to provide the families of children on free meals with boxes of essentials during the coronavirus crisis.

The idea came from Amanda Norcott and Jan Ray, the catering and business managers, respectively, of Dene Magna School in Mitcheldean and they are working with Dtrybrook, Forest View – in Cinderford – and Mitcheldean primary schools.

It is planned that the boxes, which include essentials such as milk, bread, pasta, chopped tomatoes and toilet rolls, will be sent out regularly to families in need.

More than 250 boxes were distributed to families on Friday (March 20).

There are also discussions about possibly extending the initiative to older people after Easter.

Meanwhile, local authorities are setting up community hubs to assist those in need during the crisis.

The schools are getting the items from their usual suppliers and the boxes are made up by volunteers.

Dene Magna headteacher Steve Brady said: “Once again the Forest is showing there is real community spirit here.

“It’s a partnership between us at Dene Magna, Forest View, Drybrook and Mitcheldean.

“Our catering manager Amanda and Jan our business manager were the key drivers in this

“It is a way of helping vulnerable families.

“Many of them live in small villages with perhaps just one small shop.

“Taking a food voucher to get essentials could prove almost impossible.

“We had volunteers putting the boxes together and our students have really got involved.

“We had pupils lugging around things such as cartons of milk and really wanting to get involved.

“The boxes contain essentials such as milk, bread, pasta, chopped tomatoes, eggs, cereals and toilet rolls.

“We were delighted that Bidfood catering suppliers in Chepstow and Total Produce in Gloucester have sourced the goods for us.

“Bidfood had two members of the team come and help pack the boxes.”

These initial supplies should last for a fortnight.

“The students and staff all helped out and 250 boxes have gone out to families.

“This covers the next two weeks and we repeat this again after Easter.

“We will be looking at the situation after Easter regarding our capacity to deliver food to elderly members of our community.’’

The plan is to continue distributing the boxes for as long as the crisis lasts and while supplies are available

Mr Brady said: “We are passionate about our place in the community and this is a practical way of demonstrating that.’’

The school has been running a ‘normal’ timetable with lessons broadcast over the internet at the times they would usually happen in school.

Other schools have also made arrangements for pupils’ education to continue while they are closed.

Coleford Town Council launched an appeal for new volunteers to help the existing team check in on vulnerable neighbours and pick-up supplies.

The council has also set-up a 24 contact line to provide advice for concerned residents around the clock.

The council chamber has also been adapted for fast conversion into a ‘control room’ with all the necessary paperwork and resources on hand should the situation escalate further.

Lydney Town councillors have been delivering thousands of contact postcards to homes in the town.

A statement by the town council said:: “In response to the current situation, a Lydney Community Support Group is being established to coordinate help and support in the local community.”

The council sent out 4,000 postcards last weekend and added: “The postcards also ask people if they need help and, if so, to contact the dedicated phone number 0754 897 3012 which has been set-up for this purpose.’’

Coleford Town Council can be contacted on 01594 832103.