Customers add extras to their shopping list for those in need
A Paisley pub team is doing their best to make life easier for those who are hungry and in need.
O’Connor’s Irish Bar is collecting donations for Renfrewshire Foodbank in a bid to support the organisation during the typically busy winter months.
The watering hole, based in the town’s St James’ Street, is taking donations of tinned foods, dried goods, toiletries and more, which will be handed in later this month.
The foodbank recent l y launched an urgent appeal for help as supplies are running dangerously low in the face of high demand.
Bar owner Sharon O’Connor said it was this cry for help that encouraged her to take action.
She explained: “I had seen that there was a big foodbank collection at Celtic Park that a lot of people recently donated to.
“Some of the regulars suggested we do a local one and I thought it was definitely something to look into.
“But it wasn’t until I saw an appeal from Renfrewshire Foodbank in the paper that it all fell into place. I thought there was no better time to do it than now.”
And staff are calling on Buddies to hand in supplies in aid of the worthy cause.
“We’re setting up boxes in the pub and people can come in and donate when ever they want,” Sharon said.
“You don’t have to be a customer, you can just come in and leave a donation.
“We’re collecting right up until November 26, which is the date of the cup final — we will be busy that night, so it’s an ideal time.”
Foodbanks give needy folks a three-day supply of food, with the aim of giving items that will allow them to have a balanced diet.
You can donate tins, jars or packets..
Milk — UHT or powdered — sugar, diluting juice, cereals, pasta sauces, tinned foods or fruit, instant coffee, biscuits and toiletries are all donations which could help those in need.
Sharon added: “I don’t think a lot of people are aware of what the foodbanks actually do. I know I didn’t really know a lot about them before this.
“So our main drive is to support local people, but also to raise a bit of awareness too.
“I hope that everyone supports this worthy cause.”
You can also donate directly to Renfrewshire Foodbank at unit 12, 80 Abercorn Street, Paisley. It is open on Mondays and Fridays, from 10am to noon, and on Thursdays, from 5pm to 7pm.
There are also drop boxes in Tesco Linwood, Tesco Paisley, Morrison’s, in Johnstone, and the Co-ops in Houston, Kilbarchan, Bridge of Weir and Bishopton.
People can also make an arrangement with the foodbank to make a donation by calling them on 0300 102 2500 or emailing manager@renfrewshire. foodbank.org.uk