Foodbank staff overwhelmed
Pupils hailed for donations
Children and young people are playing a big part in feeding Renfrewshire’s hungry this winter.
Foodbank manager Elizabeth Alexander has hailed the contribution of nursery and schoolchildren, as they continue to donate much-needed supplies to the warehouse.
In recent weeks, nursery children in Paisley, Lochwinnoch and Kilbarchan have collected food and other essential items for vulnerable people.
This prompted Ms Alexander to describe children as Renfrewshire’s “future” in supporting those less fortunate.
As well as money, Renfrewshire Foodbank also needs the following:
Christmas treats such as biscuits, tinned sweets, crisps and nibbles.
Toiletries including: toilet paper, shampoo, shaving gel and razors, shower gel, soap, toothpaste and deodorant.
It would be great for the team to also get some donations of longlife juice, tinned tomatoes, tinned fruit, tinned potatoes and tinned fish.
She said: “All of the schools and nurseries get involved with donations. It’s a large amount of donations that are coming from children because they are the future.
“It’s good to see them getting involved. They’re so enthusiastic and willing to help.
“It’s important for children to know about sharing and that not everyone is as well off as they might be. It’s important for them to know that at an early age.”
Louise McKinlay, a nursery officer at Lochwinnoch Primary School, said the response of children and parents in their recent collection was “overwhelming”.
She said: “The children were planting and growing their own crops outside for harvest, so we had an idea to collect for those who
Where you can donate: The Renfrewshire Foodbank donation centre at Unit 12, Abercorn Industrial Estate, 80 Abercorn Street, Paisley.
Open on Mondays and Fridays from 10am to noon and Thursdays from 5pm to 7pm.
Drop boxes are available at Asda Linwood, Morrisons Johnstone, Tescos in Renfrew and Paisley, and the Co-ops in Neilston Road, Bridge of Weir, Houston, Kilbarchan and aren’t well off.
“The parents and children were overwhelming in their response. We were so thankful as they were so generous.
“It’s about giving back. It’s part of the curriculum to be kind and mindful of others.
“We had a wee chat about other children that are not so fortunate and about the foodbank and why it’s so important.”
Janice McFadden, a senior officer at Kilbarchan Community Nursery, said collecting for Renfrewshire Foodbank was something they did regularly.
“We do one a term,” she said. “Usually at the beginning or end of term.
“We put out a bucket and talk to the children about people who don’t have money and can’t buy
Bishopton.
You can also drop food donations off at the Paisley Daily Express office inside Paisley YMCA at 39 High Street, on the corner of High Street and New Street. Make a cash donation: Cash donations can be made securely online at give. net/foodbankchristmas.
These can also be made by printing a form from renfrewshire.foodbank.org. uk/give-help/donate-money and posting the completed food, and why we collect for them.
“When our bucket is full, we go down on the bus and donate it.”
During 2017/18, Renfrewshire Foodbank provided emergency food for 8,600 people – of which approximately 2,400 were children.
It is appealing for cash and food donations as we approach Christmas.
All of the schools and nurseries get involved Elizabeth Alexander
version to Renfrewshire Foodbank, Westway, Porterfield Road, Renfrew, PA4 8DJ.
Cheques should be made payable to Renfrewshire Foodbank.
Donations of Christmas goodies must be made before Friday, December 7.
Other items can be handed in until Monday, December 17. If you are running late, the Abercorn Unit will accept items up to Friday, December 21.