Foodbank in appeal

Call for Harvest donations

A West Lothian charity is appealing for food and money to help vulnerable families through the winter.

The Trussell Trust’s West Lothian Foodbank is asking residents to give a ‘combined harvest’ because a significant rise in use is expected throughout the coming months. Volunteers help provide emergency support to those who can’t afford to eat for reasons such as redundancy, illness or an unexpected large bill. Kathleen Neilly, the West Lothian Foodbank manager said: “We want to say a big thank you to everyone who has donated food, time or money; your compassion and support means that people in West Lothian unable to afford food after being hit by something like redundancy, illness or a delayed benefit payment, have had somewhere to turn. She added: “All of the food we provide is donated, so food donations are really important. “We are particularly grateful for extra help at Harvest as we prepare for winter, the foodbank’s busiest time of the year. “That’s why this Harvest we would love for anyone considering helping the foodbank to ‘ combine’ their donation and give both money and food – it will make a real difference as we continue to provide muchneeded help to people in our community.” The Foodbank needs tinned potatoes, instant potatoes, cartons of milk, tuna, biscuits, juice, spreads, toothpaste and tooth brushes, washing powder and sweets. These can be donated at distribution centres and supermarkets Sainsbury’s in Linlithgow and Bathgate; Morrisons at Almondvale, Carmondean and Bathgate; Asda in Livingston; and Tesco in Bathgate. Donate at www.westlothian.foodbank.