More than 700 people have received food parcels from Hamilton district foodbank this month during the charity’s “busiest time of the year” – and they have been supplemented with hundreds of donated toys and gifts over the festive season.
A total of 716 adults and children were given food and toiletries up to December 23, with staff and volunteers continuing to hand out vital supplies on Christmas Eve to ensure all those in need of support had vital assistance.
They were also able to give families a total of 550 Christmas parcels containing generously-donated treats, games, books and gift cards, at what foodbank representatives describe as “the busiest time of the year”.
Staff and volunteers kindly welcomed the Hamilton Advertiser’s photographer to their Cadzow Street warehouse in the run-up to Christmas as they sorted through the additional gift donations, as well as their vital year-round stocks of food and cupboard staples making up the much-needed parcels containing at least three days’ worth of food supplies.
Hamilton district foodbank manager Isobel Graham said: “It’s been extremely busy and our volunteers were amazing. The most challenging times can bring out the best in people, our community has proved that.
“A massive thank you to all our dedicated team who have worked tirelessly throughout the year under exceptionally difficult circumstances, especially so in the last few weeks, and to all the extra volunteers who gave their time during the festive season, our amazing donors and the Salvation Army who continue to provide their help and support.”
Foodbank representatives issued a total of 7332 parcels from April 1 this year until the start of this week – with more than a third of those going to children – and say they are expecting a further increase in demand for their services due to the increasing cost of living and rising energy prices.
Now they say several items are low in stock, such as tinned custard, tinned rice pudding, UHT milk, diluting juice, pasta or noodle snacks and jam, and are asking for generous local residents to help replenish their shelves either by donating directly at their local bases or using their new online shop.
Isobel said: “Winter can always be a tough time of year for individuals and families on low incomes; we see an increase in services which is to be expected and already we’re noticing our supplies dwindling which is why we are calling on the kind-hearted people of Hamilton to donate as and when they can.
“Demand is higher than usual for foodbanks with the cost of living crisis – people have to choose between fuel or food. No-one in Hamilton should need a foodbank’s help and we want to see an end to local people needing emergency food at all; tackling poverty is crucial to our community.
“We’re dedicated to ensuring that people in our community without enough money for food are able to access emergency support. Our vital work has only been possible in the past year because of the incredible generosity shown by local people in donating food, time and funds.”
Hamilton district foodbank has also partnered with website Give Today to allow supporters to donate much-needed stock directly via their online shop at www.givetoday.co.uk/hamiltondistrictfoodbank/ and Isobel added: “Every donation, no matter what size, makes a real difference.”
The foodbank distributed a total of 11,448 emergency food supplies in 2023/2024, up from 10,332 the previous year; and its running costs are also raised locally to cover costs such as warehouse space, utilities and insurances.
Offers of help with funding are welcome and local businesses, organisations and individuals interested in supporting the foodbank’s work can find out more at https://hamiltondistrict.foodbank.org.uk/
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