The first anniversary of Hamilton Accies Community Trust Foodbank this week saw volunteers help their 6000th family.
Run in conjunction with the children’s charity Blameless, the foodbank is open within the North Stand of the ZLX Stadium, at New Douglas Park, every Thursday from 12pm to 3pm.
Their team of trusty volunteers have been overwhelmed with the donations handed in each week since opening 12 months ago - help that has gone to families and individuals in need across the county.
Head volunteer Jim Cuthbertson said: “We have been astounded by the amount of people in need of our community foodbank over the last year.
"Quite literally thousands of families have had food in their cupboards thanks to the foodbank here at Hamilton Accies, and indeed thanks to the numerous businesses and individuals who support us and donate food, toiletries and baby and children’s goods each week.”
As well as the foodbank, they also offer baby goods including blankets and clothes, and invite people in need to sit down and enjoy a bowl of soup and cup of tea or coffee from their free soup kitchen that runs at the same time as the Thursday foodbank.
Jim added: “We warmly invite anyone who pops in to use the foodbank to sit down and enjoy a spot of lunch in company without prejudice. This ensures that people are going home with not only a bag of foodstuff, but something in their stomach for lunch also.
"It’s extremely heartwarming how many people really appreciate that. None of this would be possible however without our team of volunteers who dedicate their time every week to helping others. A huge thank you to them.
“A big thanks also to the Hamilton Academical Community Trust, Blameless and of course to those who make weekly donations including Asda Hamilton and Asda Blantyre, Lightbody’s, Morrisons, Morton’s Rolls, Spice and Community Links South Lanarkshire and a great number of our sponsors such as Total Scaffolding, MK Building Supplies, Pro Signs in fact to many of our sponsors to mention them all.
The weekly foodbank runs within the Northstand at Hamilton Accies Football Club, Cadzow Avenue, Hamilton, every Thursday from 12pm to 3pm. It is walk-in only and those in need do not require a referral. All are welcome.
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