A vital East Kilbride charity is appealing for donations and funds to make sure it can keep its doors open this winter.
Share Alike provides support to those who need it the most through food parcels, crisis clothing packs, new home and baby starter packs, mental health packs and a community larder and cafe.
The charity is now feeding 321 people a week, an increase from the end of March of 268 people a week - and a jump of nearly 20 per cent in just a few months.
With ever-increasing demand it is also renewing a plea for funds to repair the front window of its Community Hub next to the bus station, which was smashed in July.
A gofundme page has been set up but so far it has only raised £750 of its £3000 target.
This coupled with it becoming harder - and more costly - to keep shelves filled, founding volunteer Annmarie Campbell told Lanarkshire Live it needs help more than ever.
"We are worried about the rising cost of energy bills and making sure we have enough food for everyone who relies on us and keeping people warm this winter - we just cannot close this winter under any circumstances," she said.
"For some people coming to the community cafe or larder it is the only time of the day they get a meal, a hot meal, or the chance to sit somewhere warm. It's frightening really, with the worst of the winter yet to come.
"We had one older couple, probably in their 80s, who only ever had cold meals because they were too scared to turn on their cooker because it would cost too much. It took me months to persuade them to come in to the cafe for even a hot bowl of soup."
Increasingly, the charity is also seeing more working families in desperate need.
"Mums and dads are worried about how they are going to put food on the table for the children or replace a pair of trousers or a skirt for school," Annmarie went on.
"It is also people who never imagined they would ever come to a food bank - they were for "other people".
"That's why our community larder and cafe has come into its own - we work on a points basis for those who need it and others, if they are able, make a small cash donation for what they receive. It is a 'hands-up' for many and help restore their pride an dignity."
The charity has also been hit by a fall in surplus stock from supermarkets, a drop in donations and the increase in the cost of food.
Annmarie added: "It is such a difficult time for people and we understand that, but if anyone can spare anything, particularly items to make hot dinners and the likes of baby milk and nappies, which we constantly need, we would be so grateful.
"The last few months we have been running with such low stocks - we are just managing to put enough together to feed people and no more.
"Our fridges and freezers in the larder can be filled one day then the next morning you come in it's near enough all gone."
With this in mind a fundraising evening is being held tomorrow (Friday) to raise cash to replace the broken window and ensure Share Alike can keep its doors open.
A a memorabilia auction and evening of entertainment will be held at 7pm at the Share Alike Community Hub in EK’s Cornwall Way.
There will be karaoke, entertainment, games, buffet and prizes galore on offer.
East Kilbride MP, Dr Lisa Cameron, and her staff donated a number of items and memorabilia that will be auctioned off including signed items from Rangers FC, Celtic FC and Only Fools and Horses' David Jason as well as a cash donation.
She said: "The charity are undertaking invaluable work in East Kilbride to support the most vulnerable. I volunteered in the project during Covid-19 and have seen first hand how it benefits our local community, helps those in need and offers families a vital lifeline."
Tickets £5, include entry to the prize draw and buffet, and can be bought from the charity’s community larder in Cornwall Way.
For more info go to the Share Alike Facebook page or email sharealike.info@gmail.com
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