A major operation to combat social isolation and food shortages is under way in Gatehouse as the coronavirus pandemic grows.
The emergency initiative is being organised by community volunteering group TGB Gatehouse from its Wee Shop base at No 1 High Street.
Gatehouse Community Church is also helping with the pop-up project which has already seen donations of food and cash pour in.
TGB Gatehouse co-ordinator Sara-leigh Cain said: “We have 40 packs for anybody that has to go into isolation and who does not have food.
“People who have only a weekly pension to live on simply can’t afford to stock up.
“We want to make sure they have enough food to last at least a couple of days.
“There are a lot of elderly people on their own – what are they supposed to do if they are in isolation?
“If more donations come in we will make more parcels up.”
Volunteers have also compiled 60 activity packs for children isolated through suspected Covid-19 in the household or school closures.
Items include books, puzzles, sweets and playclay to break the boredom of being stuck at home for up to two weeks.
A befriending phone call service has also been set up to ensure vulnerable people deprived of human contact do not feel alone.
Sara-leigh said: “It is recognised that Gatehouse is a great place for volunteers.
“As ever we are grateful to all those who are stepping up their efforts to do their bit for the community.”
She added: “Anybody who feels thay want to contribute items of food or money can contact us.
“We will continue to make up the parcels as long as we can get the produce to do it.”
Meanwhile, the Riverside Centre at Newton Stewart closed on Monday until further notice.
The social hub provides an invaluable social service to 119 elderly members from Creetown to Glenluce.
It lays on daily lunches – often the main daily meal for regulars – interactive activities, entertainment and day trips.
A minibus picks up the elderly members from outlying towns and villages in the morning and takes them home in the afternoon.
Day centre manager Susan McCalman said closure was essential to reduce infection risks.
“If it was not today it would be tomorrow,” she told the News.
“I can’t watch people here put themselves in danger. The council has not come out and said we have to close.
“But I just feel we had no option to protect our members from each other.”
Ms McCalman said: “For one member this place is his lifeline.He suffers from being isolated and this is where he comes to meet people. It will be a long phone call to reassure him that things will be alright.”
