A Hampstead Garden Suburb Synagogue barmitzvah boy has made a Covid era contribution by asking family and friends to donate food and household goods to a food bank initiative in lieu of presents.

Accompanied by family members, Adam Hoff delivered a large collection of bags to Ringcross Food Bank in Holloway, where he was welcomed by volunteers with an Arsenal-themed thank you.

The donation was arranged through Food Bank Aid: North London, set up in April by Highgate resident and HGSS congregant Naomi Russell.

Shul members donated their chametz at Pesach and in the month since its inception, it has donated more than 3,000 bags of food, household products and toiletries to 12 food banks across North London.

With a network of drop-off points from Bushey to St Johns Wood, it is supported by more than 40 volunteers who collect and deliver on a daily basis, helping to meet the increased demand for food bank services.

For example, Ringcross has seen the daily numbers of families assisted rocket from 15 to more than 70.

“We have been blown away by the support of people like Adam and his family and the many donors and volunteers who support us every day so we can send out bespoke deliveries,” Ms Russell said. “What a true example to his generation.”

The barmitzvah boy’s mother, Natalie, said the family was happy “to be part of the phenomenal work that Food Bank Aid is doing. It was special to give back and help others.”

foodbankaid@gmail.com