THE need for donations at a Wee County foodbank is as great as it has ever been and we are asking Alloa Advertiser readers to help those in need.

Next week, on Wednesday, December 15, we will be including a bag with the Advertiser for readers to fill with goods and drop off at The Gate in Alloa.

The foodbank, located in Ludgate Church and preparing to celebrate 10 years of service to the Wee County, says that it’s now not just single people who need help, but families too.

Sponsoring the Advertiser appeal this year is Sterling Mills, Tillicoultry’s KeyStore, Allanwater Homes and Carpet Gallery.

Adrienne Hilton, foodbank coordinator at The Gate, explained how donations given at this time of year not only support those over the festive period but also into the first quarter of the following year.

She said: “What we find is there’s always a huge increase at Christmas but the fact of the matter is we need support all year round.”

Adrienne, who has been involved with The Gate for more than 10 years, stated that demand is down on last year but still higher than 2019.

She explained: “It’s grown, we’ve had certain times where it’s grown exponentially.

“It’s been a strange year because this year we’re not as high as last year, looking at statistics.

“But compared to 2019 we are still up, so it’s still increasing, the need’s still there.

“It’s not as much the single people [now], it’s the families who need support.”

The stock that comes in at Christmas will be used to supply those in need throughout January, February and March.

Adrienne explained items needed most at the moment are tinned items such as meat, fruit and vegetables.

Tins of fish and packets of powdered potatoes, rice and instant pasta is also needed.

Donation bags will be included with the Wednesday, December 15 edition of the Advertiser.

Visit alloaadvertiser.com/foodbank-appeal for more information.