East Lothian residents praised for kind response to Christmas appeals

As Christmas and New Year approach, and with the cost-of-living crisis making times tough for many, foodbanks and support groups across the county have reported a rise in demand for help this year.

And the organisers of festive food and toy appeals say they have been touched by the response from East Lothian residents, who have dug deep to help make sure those hit hardest can still have a special Christmas.

East Lothian Foodbank has given out more than 90,000 meals to more than 4,000 households this year, helping more than 10,000 people – more than 2,500 more people than were helped last year.

Night Owl Books donated goods to East Lothian Foodbank this month 

The response to the increase in demand has been amazing, according to Elaine Morrison, manager at the foodbank.

She said: “We couldn’t have fed all the people we have fed this year without the help and support from the public.

“The kindness shown by people coming out of the Covid pandemic has been amazing and we are so grateful for the support.

“We have started a Christmas campaign called Jingle Bags, which aim to provide people with all the food they need for Christmas dinner.

Food donated to East Lothian Foodbank's Jingle Bags appeal

“We don’t have figures yet on donations but so far the amount of food we have been given has been incredible.”

The foodbank is continuing to collect for its Jingle Bags up until Christmas and is looking in particular for donations of jam, tinned fruit and vegetables and festive bags for life to hand out the food in.

Lammermuir Larder in Haddington has also been accepting donations of food which will be handed out to those in need this Christmas.

Food donated by a kind individual to the Lammermuir Larder 

Its Christmas Meal in a Bag campaign aims to feed nearly 200 families at Christmas with food typically eaten as part of a Christmas meal.

This provision is in addition to the larder’s normal food deliveries to between 50 and 100 people per week, 60 per cent of whom are children. This figure is up about 40 per cent from last year.

A spokesperson for Lammermuir Larder said: “Businesses, churches, groups, clubs and individuals in the Haddington area provided us with huge amounts of food and funding to supply the Christmas food.

“We are astounded at the amount of local community support we have received and we thank everyone who has donated.”

The larder has also been working with the Bridge Centre to provide heated blankets or throws to over 100 people so far this winter.

Donations to the Christmas Meal in a Bag campaign can be made at Haddington’s The Food Warehouse, Home Bargains, Kevin Watt Butchers, St Mary’s Parish Church, Co-op and the Bridge Centre.

Karen Cowe from ELCAP donating to Lammermuir Larder

Dunbar FoodShare has also seen an increase in demand for help this December by about 30 per cent and has had to plan ahead to stock up for winter.

The social cafe is working with The Ridge and Dunbar Rotary Club to provide 80 people with a free meal on Christmas day at Dunbar Parish Church, with about 45 meals being delivered to homes as well.

Kilvert Croft, from Dunbar FoodShare, said: “The support from the public has been fantastic.

“We’re working with so many people and businesses to help people during this difficult time and we are very thankful to the people of Dunbar for their help.”

A number of other festive appeals have been launched, including a Festive Provision which works with East Lothian Foodbank, Fa’side Area Partnership, Pennypit Trust, Home-Start East Lothian and Cash for Kids.

The provision covers the Fa’side area, Preston Seton Gosford (PSG) and Musselburgh, and includes a voucher service for winter essentials including coats, gloves, hats and scarves.

East Lothian Foodbank has recieved a number of donations to their Jingle Bags appeal

So far, the provision has handed out more than 500 vouchers to those who have applied, which can be used in Primark to buy warm clothes this winter.

Ruth Davie, manager at the Pennypit Trust, said: “We’ve had a huge increase in the number of people being referred or self-referring to the provision.

“These statistics show that the need for support has increased substantially in the last year and we’re working hard along with our partners to provide what we can for individuals and families.

“There has certainly been a sense of togetherness and community from people this year, and it feels like this year people are being more generous than ever.”

Meanwhile, a number of toy appeals have been launched to provide toys for less fortunate children this Christmas.

Home-Start East Lothian has become the hub for East Lothian’s Christmas toy appeal, which has handed toys out to more than 350 children.

Katy Pollock from Home-Start East Lothian recieving a donation from George from Tranent Bowling Club

Many businesses and groups, including primary schools, churches and Brownies groups, have been donating to the cause.

Katy Pollock, senior co-ordinator at Home-Start East Lothian, said: “People have really shown their generosity this year and we’re grateful for all their support, particularly during difficult financial times.”

The appeal is still looking for donations, particularly for teenagers, which can be made directly to Home-Start East Lothian.

East Lothian Roots and Fruits (ELRF) has also started a toy appeal. The charity, based in Elphinstone, is working with 35 families and helping 68 children this Christmas, and will also hand out 80 selection boxes to children in the village next week.

Pamela McKinlay, project manager, said: “The community have been generous with gifts and money and we are very grateful.”

ELRF would like all toy donations into the charity by Sunday so they can be delivered next week.

'Everyone has been very generous'

The Bridge Centre in Haddington has also been running a toy appeal, which it says will benefit more than 200 children in the county.

The appeal closes tomorrow (Friday) and there are collection points in Haddington Care Home, Haddington Library, Hope James Hair and Haddington Bridge Centre.

A spokesperson said: “Yet again, we have asked the community to assist us and they haven’t let us down.

“Everyone has been very generous, especially in light of the fact that times are hard for everyone.

“To all who have donated, thank you.”

Kenny MacAskill, East Lothian MP, expressed his pride at seeing so many people come together to help those in need.

He said: “These are unprecedented times and the hardship for so many is severe. It is the time for giving. It’s heartening to see so many initiatives and the efforts made to assist.”

East Lothian MSP Paul McLennan added: “It’s been heartening to see the many Christmas appeals across East Lothian, and even more amazing to see people continuing to donate what they can or offer their time as a volunteer, despite the challenges we are all facing.”

John McMillan, Provost of East Lothian, added: “I would urge anyone who is able to consider donating to the many worthy Christmas appeals.

“I would like to thank all those people who lead on organising our wide range of community groups and to everyone who has already generously donated.”