A north-east charity is urgently appealing for donations to a city food bank.
Instant Neighbour, which offers support to vulnerable people across the region, is appealing for help in stocking up its Aberdeen food distribution centre in St Machar Drive.
The charity says it currently has between 80-100 people on its waiting list for food parcels.
Helen Stewart, office manager for the charity, said: “We have had a donation from the food banks partnership, of which we are a member, but it’s still not enough.
“It’s a constant battle to maintain the level of food needed for our clients.
“Because we’ve had the Giving Tree over Christmas, the food bank starts to die down because people are concentrating on the appeal.
“We also give double parcels out when we are closed during that time.”
The charity is now encouraging people to drop off donations at its collection points across the city, or to set up food drives in their places of work.
The call has been supported by Aberdeen Donside MSP, Mark McDonald.
Mr McDonald has now placed a donation box in his constituency office on Great Northern Road.
He added: “The Instant Neighbour food bank it is a lifeline to so many people in our city. I hope that in making it easier to donate food items, more people will be able to donate to the food bank and as soon as possible.
“It is sad that we have a situation where people in a wealthy city need the support for food banks, but while the situation persists we should call upon the generosity of our city, and answer the call to fill up the food bank shelves for those who
need it most.
“I absolutely urge everyone who is able to, to donate food items to Instant Neighbour either at their Woodside premises, at the donation box at my constituency office or by making a cash donation direct to Instant Neighbour.”
Instant Neighbour has various drop-off points across the Granite City.
The charity’s St Machar Drive headquarters are open from 8.30am-4.30pm, Monday to Friday.
As well as this and Mr McDonald’s office, donations can also be handed in to Kevin Stewart MSP’s office on John Street, and Maureen Watt MSP’s office on Victoria Road.
And a number of city supermarkets will also take in donations, with Sainsbury’s Guild Street and Rosemount Place stores, and Morrison’s on King Street all supporting the charity. Queens Cross, Holburn South, Peterculter, Cults Kirk, Rubislaw, and Ferryhill Parish churches will also collect items.
For more information contact 01224 489 955 or email reception@instantneighbour.co.uk