Slimmers gave vital festive food aid

The two local clubs – Cumbernauld Saturday and Abronhill – joined fellow members from the Stepps club to collect not only food but also goods like toys and the time-honoured festive selection boxes, toiletries and more.

The bumper consignment was warmly welcomed at the town centre’s House of Bread food bank, which is never less than constantly busy.

It supervises collection and distribution of masses of food on a weekly basis, and needs every donation it receives – welcoming the gift of even an individual tin.

And unfortunately it has seen demand accelerate over the past year as the effects of welfare reform and recession have taken hold.

Organiser Norma Cowan said recently that if every shopper visiting Asda donated a single tin during the days when her team collect at the doors there would be enough to go around.

House of Bread, which for many people has become an essential safety net, relies on the unstinting generosity of churches, and of the ordinary people of Cumbernauld, and is facing a more and more demanding task – perhaps particularly at this time of year.

A spokeswoman for Slimming World said: “House of Bread Food Bank runs every Thursday in Cornerstone House.

“Over the years the food bank has seen an increase of people struggling to feed themselves and their families.

“Kind hearted slimmers decided to donate selection boxes, toys, toiletries and tins of food.”

Now they hope their example will encourage others to support such an important local venture.