A COMMUNITY has come together to support those in need during the coronavirus pandemic.

The Colchester Knights of Saint Columba, a Catholic Lay Fraternity, have been helping deliver food parcels and personal protective equipment (PPE).

Members Stefan Szpytma, who is a plumber for Alpha Group, and George Johnson, a teacher at St Helena School, have been assisting the GO4 Café to collect food donations.

These are then used to pack up emergency food packages.

The men have also been ensuring food reaches residents in supported living homes, where they have access to carers but need to complete their own shopping and have been unable to get delivery slots. The Knights have also continued their work online, through quiz nights which have raised more than £300 for the foodbank and GO4 Café, and £250 for Colchester Zoo.

A video appeal also saw the donation of tents to support the homeless at Beacon House.

Brother Johnson said “It is really important that at this time, when things are difficult for so many people, we are putting our faith into action by supporting the most vulnerable in society. #

"We are out there, helping with getting food and PPE to those who need it and raising money to support some great local causes.

"Our Quiz nights now also have a semi-international feel to them with brothers from as far away as Scotland and Jersey taking part.

"My wife Emily has been amazing, baking cakes and biscuits to donate and helping with the quizzes. We are also not alone in this effort.

"Our brothers in Southend, Council 192, have been doing amazing work cooking meals for the recently housed street homeless ensuring they are looked after and able to stay indoors.”

To find our more about the work visit www.facebook.com/KSC270.