Bridge of Allan Food Bank Festive Appeal for Donations
Primary school youngsters are this week collecting donations for a community food hub set up during the Covid-19 pandemic to help those in need.
Article Source: Blackburn Communications
Last Updated: 30 November 2020 12:10
FESTIVE APPEAL FOR BRIDGE OF ALLAN FOOD BANK
Primary school youngsters are this week collecting donations for a community food hub set up during the Covid-19 pandemic to help those in need.
Cornton and Bridge of Allan Primary Schools along with Fairview International School have set up crates to be filled with non-perishable donations for The Larder based at Bridge of Allan Parish Church.
Another donation box has been organised at FES headquarters in Stirling and goods can also be handed into The Larder direct during its Tuesday and Friday opening times.
Lucy McKechnie is one of the volunteers at the initiative which opened its doors in May under the auspices of Bridge of Allan Community Council.
She said: “We’re running an appeal now so we can make sure we have enough food for those in need during the run up to Christmas and beyond.
“These are difficult times for many people and we expect our user numbers will increase during the winter months.
“We’re appealing for all kinds of non-perishable donations – rice, pasta, tinned goods, toiletries, cereals, toilet rolls, teabags, sugar and so on – and are delighted that our local schools have agreed to help with this festive appeal.”
Volunteers at the Larder welcome everyone who needs help and are especially keen to support those who are struggling financially during difficult times.
The hub is open between 11am and 12.30am on Tuesdays and Fridays in Bridge of Allan Parish Church hall and no proof of income is required.
The Larder was initially the idea of Jo Cookson, a member of the Bridge of Allan Cares Community Group, and was set up with the help of Jo Chisholm from Bridge of Allan Community Council, local councillors Douglas Dodds and Alastair Tollemache and other volunteers.
A team of around 15 volunteers now staff the project feeding up to 30 families every week.
They also spend time collecting food from many generous partner organisations including Stirling Community Fridge; Start Up Stirling; the FareShare food poverty charity; Bridge of Allan Brewery; Morrisons supermarket in Stirling; Graham’s The Family Dairy; Tesco Express and Co-op in Bridge of Allan and Bridge of Allan-based John Cullens Family Butcher.
Cllr Tollemache said: “We’ve seen The Larder evolve and the number of community partners increase since we initially set up the project under the auspices of the Community Council just over six months ago.
“We’re now helping around 30 families every week and I’m pleased to be involved with such an important community initiative.”
Margaret Spence is another volunteer who liaises with local businesses to source vital supplies for The Larder.
She said: “We’re here to help anyone who is struggling due to furlough, unemployment or the many other reasons which make it difficult for people to put food on the table.
“We welcome everyone who needs help and are very lucky with the support we’ve received since opening from local shops who have donated goods and local hospitality businesses who have provided hot food.
“There are many Bridge of Allan businesses who have helped us in a variety of ways including Strathallan Pharmacy, Friend of Mine, La Cucina, Dixie Doodles, Bridge of Allan Hardware, Bridge of Allan Brewery and the Allanwater Café.
“We’re also grateful to those from further afield who’ve donated to us including Monterey Jack’s in Stirling, Blairmains Coffee Bothy, Blairdrummond Smiddy Farm Shop and Tilly Tearoom.”
The Larder also recently received a gift card worth more than £300 from Waitrose, which was used to buy essential goods in the Stirling store, and a £2,000 grant from Stirling Voluntary Enterprise to spend on groceries and household goods for those using the hub.
Anyone who wants to donate to The Larder is welcome to drop off supplies at Bridge of Allan Parish Church Hall on a Tuesday or a Friday between 10.30am and 12.30pm.
For more information on The Larder, visit the Bridge of Allan Community Council Facebook page - www.facebook.com/ccbridgeofallan
Image: Councillor Alastair Tollemache and volunteer Arlene Fletcher outside Bridge of Allan Church Hall
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