Playtown delivers free meals to those in need during Covid-19 outbreak

Kind-hearted staff at a children’s play centre in Southport are cooking and delivering meals to people in need in the community during the coronavirus crisis. 

Playtown, at Ocean Plaza, was among businesses ordered to close by the Government last month. 

But this week owners Louie and Tanya Gaffney have re-opened their kitchen to help feed NHS workers, key workers, those who are unemployed and vulnerable people who have been affected by the impact of the Covid-19 outbreak. 

So far they have cooked and delivered over 50 meals, and plan to give up their Easter weekend to cook another batch for people. 

They said: “From this week we want to feed those families who need it for free in the Southport area. Please only use it if you need to.

“On Wednesdays and Sundays until the pandemic is over we will be cooking a large batch of wholesome food for families and drop on your doorstep.

These stunning rainbows in Southport give us all hope we can beat coronavirus

“If anybody has anything you could donate to put in little packs for the children or anything at all this would be great.”

The couple, supported by loyal Playtown staff, will be preparing more meals again this Saturday ready for Sunday morning drop-off.

They are asking if anyone knows of anyone, or if you yourself, need help to please message them via the Playtown Facebook page.

And they are also appealing for help from local people to keep the public service going. 

Louie and Tanya said: “We are currently closed but we are trying to feed as many local families as we possibly can. We are currently using the limited stock we have left and trying to get some bits from our suppliers.

Staff at Playtown in Southport are cooking and delivering meals to people in need in the community during the coronavirus crisis

“We want to keep this going but are trying to find a way of doing so.

“Would anybody be willing to donate the smallest of amounts to continue feeding our community?

“This is not something we have ever done before and feel quite cheeky asking but the more we can get the more people ultimately we can feed. Any ideas are more than welcome.”

The couple added: “We have always tried our best to help when we can – whether it be charity fun days ,or handing out toilet rolls when vulnerable and elderly people couldn’t get any due to panic buying. But we have seen a massive increase in our community struggling for a basic human right, which is food.

“Our community constantly supports our business through thick and thin and we wanted to try and do a little that will make a difference to the families who need it.”

Staff at Playtown in Southport are cooking and delivering meals to people in need in the community during the coronavirus crisis

The huge generosity shown by Playtown has been warmly received by their customers. 

Speaking on the Playtown Facebook page, Jackie Despositi said: “You are both the most generous, thoughtful and kind couple and really deserve recognition in a massive way.

Lisa JW said: “That’s a super gorgeous idea wow how lovely of you guys.”

Amy Kearley said: “Well done Playtown you are always thinking of the community. Not just now but also with your annual Christmas toy collection for those in need and your support events for mental health.