A Lanarkshire foodbank has thanked the community for their overwhelming generosity in helping them get back on track.
Loaves and Fishes, located in Kelvin Industrial Estate in East Kilbride, placed an urgent appeal last month on Facebook for help after they were left running low on food.
The volunteers were ‘drowning’ under the pressure of trying to keep families fed and were having sleepless nights over how they were going to keep going.
Since the appeal, the foodbank has received lots of donations from the community, local businesses and churches. People also sent money to help them purchase more food.
Lesley Davidson, the coordinator of Loaves and Fishes, told Lanarkshire Live : “The response we’ve had from the appeal has been amazing.
"I don’t know if it’s maybe because more people are tuned into the current situation.
“The shelves are full now, it’s just been a combination of people showing up with bags of food for the past few weeks. All I’ve done is say thank you. It’s been really overwhelming.
“We don’t ask for help a lot, but when we do it’s important for us for people to see where the money or the food they have donated goes.
"Usually, within 24 hours of having donated it, it’s in a food parcel for someone.
“I haven’t hugged as many people since before Covid. We’re all really happy.
“It’s our job to look after the people of East Kilbride, but they also look after us as well. There's people from all over bringing us stuff, our volunteers are still putting stuff away.
“We’re going to try and use the money donated to buy fresh fruit and vegetables for the food parcels.
“With the schools coming to a close, there'll be more of a demand for them now, so we’re hoping to do that.
“The only thing is the food isn’t going to last forever, so we appreciate places like Morrisons giving us food regularly.
“I think the situation for people will get worse, with the summer holidays now and the living costs showing no sign of slowing down, it is a worry.
“People come to us, and they speak to us and get to come and get a cuddle with one of the dogs, and it helps them. If you’re struggling and hurting they just need that dignity.
“All 35 of our volunteers are really invested, it’s like a family. It’s a really nice place to be.”
For anyone interested in donating they can contact Loaves and Fishes via their Facebook page.
Don't miss the latest headlines from around Lanarkshire. Sign up to our newsletters here.
And did yo u know Lanarkshire Live is on Facebook? Head over to our page to give us a like and share.
