A MASSIVE thank you has been given to members of the public for their continued backing of East Lothian Foodbank.

The charity offers support to people throughout the county who find themselves in crisis.

Candace Higgins, director of the Tranent-based organisation, was delighted with the response from people so far during the coronavirus outbreak.

She said: “When I was appointed director of East Lothian Foodbank at the end of January, we certainly did not foresee the current situation, which has, at the very least, been a unique start to my tenure here.

“This is an incredibly difficult time for everyone but, amidst this arduous period, I have never encountered such an overwhelming amount of human kindness and goodwill.

“I am East Lothian born and bred and could not be prouder to say that at this time.”

Candace said that the coronavirus pandemic had created a number of challenges for the foodbank, which provides emergency food to people who are going hungry for a variety of reasons.

A number of volunteers have had to stay home due to social distancing and concerns about underlying health conditions.

She described the volunteers as “invaluable” and told them: “You are all the epitome of what it means to be selfless, caring and hardworking and we appreciate you so much.

“To the volunteers who have had to remain home during this crisis, we miss you and look forward to having you back with us.”

Finally, thanks were also given to the community for their continued donations.

Candace said that a wide variety of groups, as well as members of the public, were all doing their bit to help and donate what they could.

She added: “We simply couldn’t do what we do without the support of the community – from members of the public raiding their cupboards, rallying their neighbours to donate and sacrificing their toilet rolls for those in need, to incredibly generous donations from our community partners.

“There are too many organisations to list individually but to all the churches, Rotary clubs, supermarkets, local businesses, groups, clubs and other charities, you have no idea how grateful we are.

“We are continuing to meet the growing need for our service at this difficult time and that is because of you. We are surrounded by wonderful, compassionate people and we will come out of this crisis stronger and more together.”

The foodbank, based on Tranent’s Civic Square, is low on cleaning products, toiletries including shower gel, shampoo and conditioner, and chopped tomatoes, mashed potatoes and chopped potatoes.

Candace added: “The potatoes and chopped tomatoes, we were already struggling to get them before the crisis.

“People seem to be stockpiling those, especially tomatoes, which are very versatile.

“In terms of toiletries and cleaning products, people maybe are not aware that they can donate those.”