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Ashley Douglas from the charity Dignity Boxes, which provides free toiletries for people in need, has received a well-deserved Volunteer Award from The Centre, Livingston in recognition of her outstanding work in the local community.

The Volunteer Awards were established by The Centre, Livingston with the aim of paying tribute to people who have gone the extra mile in the community and reward them with a framed, personalised certificate and £100 Gift Card, which can be spent at over 90 stores and all restaurants in the shopping centre.

The latest nomination was submitted by founder of Dignity Boxes, former nurse Isabel Dosser, during her time as The Centre, Livingston’s ‘Charity Partner’ from January – March this year, receiving a £250 Gift Card donation and the opportunity to host two pop ups, where they raised awareness and over £400 in funds, which included donations from face painting events.

The charity, which has 35 volunteers, provides free donated toiletries in Dignity

Boxes which can be found in 43 sites across West and East Lothian and Edinburgh, including libraries, offices, universities and Morrisons supermarkets.

Isabel nominated Ashley (pictured centre) a former childminder and primary school teaching assistant, for many reasons, in particular for her dedication to the charity since the day it first started in September 2018.

Ashley was one of the first volunteers to sign up and is now one of longest serving supporters. Her role involves collecting and delivering donations of toiletries and she also helps with the sorting of donated products in their Livingston premises.

Isabel said: “Dignity Boxes wouldn’t be what it is today if it wasn’t for volunteers like Ashley. She is a very compassionate person and has introduced us to so many people who have also helped the charity.

Ashley said: “I am very shocked and absolutely delighted to receive this Volunteer Award. I’ve always really enjoyed volunteering at Dignity Boxes and hope to continue and be part of the growth of the charity. It is such an easy thing for people to get involved in and great fun, and also reminds us to be humble and kind.”