Foodbanks looking for more donations
West Lothian’s foodbanks are appealing for the public’s help so they can continue feeding families in need.
Ladywell Community Fridge said it will be open tomorrow (Friday) from 1pm to 3.30pm and thanked staff at More than Fitness after they handed a massive donation of food in following an appeal from volunteers.
But they said more donations will be gratefully welcomed.
the charity said on its Facebook page: “the Community Fridge will be open this Friday from 1pm to 3.30pm.
“We can only serve one person at a time so if there is a queue then please stand two metres apart and please do not come if you have any symptoms. get someone to come for you. this is the only way we can keep open as long as we can.”
the West Lothian Food Bank has had to close its distribution centres to protect its army of volunteers. referrals will also now only be taken by phone.
Kathleen Neilly said: “We are extremely busy, all our distribution centres are closed we have to remember that many of our volunteers are mature and have families with underlying health conditions. We have set up three temporary centres however clients are booked into these centres when the referral is made, this is to make sure everyone is safe.
“to get a referral to the foodbank at the moment you must phone the advice shop on 01506 283000 or Citizens advice on 01506 432977.
“at the moment we have enough volunteers but like everything else at the moment that could change at any minute, i’m compiling a list of volunteers if anyone emails in to info@westlothian.foodbank. org.uk.
“at this time we will not be issuing vouchers to any referral partners, we will only be taken phone referrals from the advice shop & Citizens advice Bureau.”
the West Lothian school Bank, which provides school uniforms for hard-up families is having to make changes to the service on a temporary basis.
a spokesperson said:“We are suspending the receipt of all donations through our red collection bins which are located in the community. We would kindly ask if you can hold on to your donations just now and we will notify you when we are able to start accepting them again. We anticipate that we will face an increase in referrals as a result of the current situation and as such we will need your donations.
“With immediate effect, we are stopping our sorting sessions so that we do not have to ask our volunteers to be out and about as we appreciate they will have other priorities at this time.’’