Almost 600 children have relied on Hamilton 's foodbank this Christmas, as volunteers worked tirelessly round the clock to help those less fortunate.
The festive season saw a total of 989 people assisted with food and toiletries as Hamilton District Foodbank braced itself for its busiest time of the year.
And sadly 595 of December's service users were local children, almost two thirds in total.
During a difficult time for many Lanarkshire families, generous donations meant that 540 Christmas parcels with treats, gifts, toys and books were also distributed to the area's most neediest.
Compared to last year's figures. the demand at the foodbank has decreased. December 2020 saw 1500 people depend on the foodbank with almost 700 of those being children - as Hamilton locals suffered the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic hitting home that year.
However, the team at Hamilton District Foodbank say they don't want to see anyone having to rely on emergency food supplies as they continue to tackle local poverty.
Isobel Graham, manager of the foodbank, has thanked the many generous individuals and organisations for helping those who need it most.
She told told Lanarkshire Live : "The most challenging times can bring out the best in people, our community has proved that.
"A massive thank you to all our team of dedicated volunteers who have worked tirelessly throughout the year under exceptional difficult circumstances, and especially so in the last few weeks.
"Thank you to all our amazing donors and The Salvation Army who continue to provide their help and support.
"No one in Hamilton district should need a foodbank’s help and we want to see an end to local people needing emergency food at all.
“We’re dedicated to ensuring that people in our community without enough money for food are able to access emergency support.
"Our vital work in the community has only been possible in the last year because of the incredible generosity shown by local people in donating food, time and funds.
"Support from local organisations and the public is more important than ever this year after the impact and fallout from the pandemic.
"Demand is higher than usual for foodbanks and we are no different. Tackling poverty and providing the services of the foodbank is crucial to our Community.”
During winter the foodbank buy hats, scarves and gloves for service users, and this year they received donations of and purchased adult and children's pyjamas; 317 pairs of pyjamas were given to local homeless units, youth clubs and children were distributed for Christmas.
And going above and beyond for local people, Hamilton District Foodbank held their first Christmas Open Day on Wednesday, December 15, and another a week later.
Isobel added: "It was extremely busy, our volunteers were amazing, at the end of the day we quickly realised we didn't have enough toys for our next Christmas Open Day on December 22.
"What will we do? In walk Lesley and Annmarie from Juniors Play Cafe with the offer of toys.
"What a Relief, by the end of the conversation the girls agreed to assist the foodbank by displaying and distributing all the toys, books, games, pyjamas from the Play Cafe on the 22nd.
"Thank you Lesley and Staff of Juniors Play Cafe - Our Christmas Angels - for coming to our rescue."
The running costs for the foodbank are raised locally to enable them to continue their work.
Costs include warehouse space, to sort and stock donated food and other overheads like utilities and insurances.
The foodbank welcomes any new offers of help with funding, local businesses, organisations and individuals interested in supporting the foodbank’s work can find out more at https://hamiltondistrict.foodbank.org.uk/
Donations can be dropped off at the Foodbank’s bases:
13-15 Cadzow Street Hamilton Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday 11 am till 2 pm
The Nazarene Hall, Elm Street, Blantyre Tuesday and Thursday 11 am till 2 pm
The Salvation Army, Burnblea Street, Hamilton Monday 11 am till 2 pm (closed on Public Holidays)
Distribution centre opening times:
The Nazarene Hall, Elm Street, Blantyre, Tuesday and Thursday 11 am till 2 pm
24 Quarry Street, Hamilton, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday 11 am till 2 pm
The Salvation Army, Burnblea Street, Hamilton Monday 11 am till 2 pm.
For more information, call the foodbank on 07884 451512 or email info@hamiltondistrict.foodbank.org.uk.
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