RESIDENTS within the Forth Valley are being urged to donate their unwanted items in a bid to help others in both the UK and Europe, writes Michelle Henderson.

Blythswood Care, known for giving humanatarian aid and help to people in need, are asking for donations to be given to their collection lorry, which will be making the rounds in Alloa and Stirling next week.

The first colletion will take place on Monday 18th August at Morrison’s, Springkerse from 10.00 – 11.00; followed by another on Wednesday 20th August calling at Morrison’s, Alloa from 12.30 – 1.00pm.

Donations can also be delivered to the Blythswood collection bin situated at Saline Parish Church.

Items which are accepted by the collection lorry include clothing, shoes, books, small items of furniture and bric a brac, as well as tinned food for Foodbanks across Scotland.

All goods collected are taken to the Blythswood depot at Hillington and are either distributed to charity shops or prepared for sending to partner organisations in Eastern Europe.

As well as giving donations through the collection lorry, Blythswood Care also run an annual Shoe Box Appeal, which distributes every-day items to orphanages, schools, hospitals, gypsy villages and care homes across Eastern Europe and Pakistan.

Each shoebox contains items such as toiletries, clothes, sweets and toys and are full of gifts which help people in poverty.

Blythswood Care Shoe Box Appeal 2014 leafltes and posters can now be collected from the collection lorry or ordered from Blythswood Care on 0845 456 9460 or 0845 456 9461.

For further information regarding the collection lorry, go to Blythswood’s website on blythswood.org.