A CHARITY helping struggling families who cannot afford to eat was overwhelmed by the support of people in Inverclyde at the weekend.

An appeal by Inverclyde Foodbank in the Tele for support setting up their new Baby Bank provoked a huge response from local people.

The organisation was flooded by supplies of all kinds during a massive collection day in food stores across the district.

Organisers were looking to stock up on vital food, as well as baby essentials and school uniforms in a catch-all safety net to meet seemingly ever-increasing need.

Inverclyde Foodbank organiser Fraser Donaldson said: “We were overwhelmed by the level of support from the community.

“It was amazing to hear individuals approach the various collection stands and voice their support for the work as well as appreciation that the project exists.

“This was also tangibly demonstrated by the amount of food, uniform items, baby items and financial donations given to make the work of the project possible.”

Inverclyde Foodbank, in partnership with the Trussell Trust, is part of a wider i58 project run by the Elim Church and includes debt support as well.

During their ‘Step Up Saturday’ effort they were out in force at 10 stores around Inverclyde with dozens of volunteers signing up to help.

Fraser added: “To see a community step up with a desire to help those less fortunate has been both a humbling and moving experience. 

“Inverclyde is a fantastic community and the generosity of those within our community just shows a heart to make Inverclyde a better place for all who call it home.”

Fraser praised everyone who volunteered as well as the foodbank manager Ian Esson and his team who co-ordinated things on the day.

Gourock mum Lynne Quinn, who is now a councillor, has volunteered with the Inverclyde Foodbank for three years.

She was manning the collection point at Sainsbury’s in Gourock.

She added: “The response from people is incredible.

“People were so interested in the work of the foodbank and I think the baby bank had an impact on people too.

“There were lots of donations of nappies and other items.”