FOODBANK staff say they have been “overwhelmed” by the generosity of Renfrewshire residents during the coronavirus lockdown.

Against a backdrop of panic buying, businesses closing and strict social distancing rules, Renfrewshire Foodbank has managed to continue supplying vulnerable people with essential supplies against all odds, thanks to a flood of donations from kind-hearted people.

Senior manager Elizabeth Alexander said that, while people in the area have always been generous, they never cease to amaze her with their sense of community during tough times.

“People have been incredibly generous," she added. "The minute people heard about the lockdown, we had them on the phone, trying to donate food and money.

"They have been wonderful and it’s been overwhelming.

“I just want to say a huge thank-you to everyone in Renfrewshire. When the chips are down, they really rally round. They never fail to amaze me.

“People are really pulling out the stops to help each other, from what I can see.”

While the foodbank has been able to continue supplying essentials to families facing financial difficulty, the charity has been forced to make several changes to the way it works.

All distribution centres – except in Erskine – remain open at their usual times but visitors are being given their parcels outside, so staff and volunteers can ensure everyone is kept at a safe distance.

But having to keep everyone outside has made it difficult for the charity to offer the emotional support it usually provides to those who are struggling to make ends meet.

Elizabeth said: “We’re not able to bring people in for tea and coffee because of the social distancing guidelines.

“It’s a bit of a shame because people usually get a wraparound service at the foodbank. People take a wee bit of time with them and they get quite a bit of emotional support usually and we direct people to where they can get help but we’re not really able to do that just now.

“At least we are able to provide the food and we will endeavour to be here for people throughout the coronavirus situation.”

To keep stocks up, people are being asked to delve into their cupboards for any spare tins of potatoes and tomatoes, as well as long-life milk and juice, which they can donate.

Staff and volunteers are also keen to receive toiletries such as soap and toothpaste, as well as pet food.

People can donate food at most supermarkets across Renfrewshire, including the Co-op, Morrisons and Tesco. Alternatively, items can be brought to the warehouse at Westway, in Porterfield Road, Renfrew, on Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings.

The Paisley distribution centre in Lady Lane will be open on Good Friday from 1.30pm to 4.30pm for anyone collecting a parcel but will be closed on Easter Monday.

The other opening times for distribution centres across the area are as follows:

Paisley Baptist Church: Mondays, from 2pm to 4pm, Wednesdays and Fridays, from 1.30pm to 4.30pm.

St Paul’s Church, Johnstone: Wednesday, from 10am to 12pm.

Renfrew Baptist Church: Thursdays, from 10am to 12pm.

Read all the latest from Renfrewshire and beyond

******************

Scotland is in lockdown. Shops are closing and newspaper sales are falling fast. We're not exaggerating when we say the future of local newspapers and the vital service we have provided for many years is under threat.

Please consider supporting The Gazette in whatever way you can - by paying just 90p for a copy of the newspaper when you're shopping for essential supplies for yourself and others or by subscribing to our e-edition here.