KIND-HEARTED Helensburgh residents have been thanked for their festive season support of the town's food bank.
The Helensburgh and Lomond Foodbank issued a desperate plea in October for more support as their shelves were looking bare ahead of Christmas.
But that plea - reported in the Advertiser - sparked "a tsunami of donations" in the run up to the big day.
The high cost of living has continued to put pressure on families and the food bank described the situation before their appeal as "bleak".
Demand continues to grow.
Chair Celia Scanlan said: "The volunteers were happily exhausted as they ploughed through the control and sort everything into categories.
"We did wonder if it was an initial event but donations have continued - it seems from many organisations, large and small.
"From the Navy to a little office, people decided to have a collection. Schools, youth clubs and others who put on Christmas events asked for food donations rather than money as entry fees.
"The collection at the Santa Dash has been promised to the food bank.
"Helensburgh and Lomond Foodbank thank everyone in the area for their enormous generosity.
"We are unable to thank everyone individually as there have been so many donations, large and small.
"All have contributed to making it possible to give our local people, who experience food poverty, a cheerful and nourishing Christmas."
The food bank, based at the Helensburgh Community Hub, handed out special Christmas packages on December 21 and is open again on Thursday, December 28 from 1.30pm to 7pm.
Normal service for the food bank resumes on Thursday, January 4 from 3pm.
The food bank's Rosneath service is unaffected by holiday closures as their normal days are Wednesday afternoons.
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