An “amazing lady” who asks loved ones to donate to the West Lothian Foodbank instead of giving her presents at Christmas has gone above and beyond this year to help families dealing with the cost of living crisis.
Norah Coen (85), from Livingston has been donating to the charity for years and this year she has handed over several boxes of toys, clothes and books for children, along with toiletries, nappies, groceries and much more to help those in need.
Along with the foodbank Norah, who stays in Dedridge, gives to around 11 other charities, including Mary’s Meals.
She explained: “When I was growing up, there were always people in need.
“We always had a steak pie Christmas dinner, followed by a clootie dumpling and there were wee silver thrupnies in there for the kids, so it goes way back to then. I’ve always been giving to whatever I thought was a worthy cause.”
Norah, who worked at Patersons Biscuits before she retired, said she’s able to give so much to the foodbank because she doesn’t like to receive birthday or Christmas presents so instead asks her family to make donations instead of giving her gifts.
She continued: “I have a big family, with six children and 12 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren so I get them to get me stuff for the foodbank and their friends started too. People definitely need more help this year, since covid really, but it’s got much worse since the prices all went up.”
Norah continued: “Some of my family think I’m mad for doing it but others think it’s good.
“I also help the Mary’s Meals charity in Africa.”
Daughter Noreen said Norah and her family started helping the foodbank around seven years ago because they felt people were in real need of help around West Lothian.
She explained: “Every year it’s got bigger and bigger because the need has gotten greater.
“If anyone can give a donation to the foodbank please do, even a small donation if you’re just clearing out your cupboards because there are so many folk in need just now.”
Kathleen Neilly, manager of the West Lothian Foodbank heaped praise on Norah for all the help she has given over the years.
She said: “I spoke with the family last week and the brilliant thing is that they always check what we really need and drop off toys as well.
“This year I’m not sure how they squeezed everything in. We are so very blessed with the support from this family every year.”
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