The hard-working team at Coatbridge Community Foodbank have paid tribute to the people and businesses of Monklands for supporting them during their “busiest time of the year”.
The dedicated volunteers and their supporters are helping to feed struggling families over the festive period as the “cost of living continues to bite” and many have to turn to them to put food on the table.
Among the initiatives held during Christmas is a Secret Santa which sees the foodbank prepare festive meals to deliver to people in the community.
Nicola McLaughlin, who has been a volunteer with Coatbridge Community Foodbank for a decade, told Lanarkshire Live: “It has been a very hectic few weeks for us; the busiest time of the year.
“Fortunately, a lot of people and companies have donated items and we can’t thank them enough.
“We are holding a Secret Santa where people have donated money to allow us to make up Christmas meals which we are putting together along with Christmas crackers and other things to make dinner as festive as possible for those in need.
“People donated toys too and our volunteers have been like a hard-working conveyor belt doing all sorts of different things.
“Everyone is struggling at the moment, so it never ceases to amaze us how kind people can be when it comes to supporting the hungry.”
Nicola added: “The cost of living continues to bite and we are seeing more and more people come through our doors.
“It’s sad this is the case, but we are more determined than ever to do our bit to support local families.
“We collaborate with other foodbanks too and there is a real sense of community among all of us.”
Nicola remains as passionate as ever about her work with the foodbank, revealing: “I have been doing this for 10 years and being able to help people is hugely rewarding.
“My two children help with volunteering over the Christmas period, which makes me very proud, and the whole team here are fantastic.”
To find out more about Coatbridge Community Foodbank and its support, pop into its base at 25 Coatbank Street, call 01236 427959 or visit its Facebook page.
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