WEST Dunbartonshire Community Foodshare is appealing for more donations for its Christmas appeal amid a rise in referrals for gifts.

The award-winning charity started collecting new toys, gifts and selection packs for young people aged 0 to 17 last month.

It is also looking for donations of food and toiletries to support local people experiencing poverty over the winter months.

Last year, with the support of the local community, the foodshare was able to provide Christmas gifts and toys to 965 children who would otherwise have received no gifts on Christmas morning. It expects demand to be even higher this year.

Trustee Clair Coyle told the Reporter: "The referrals are coming in very fast and we have more than 650 kids referred so far.

"The majority of the referrals have come from schools, nurseries, and different agencies.

"The level of poverty we're seeing at the moment is horrific, the phone never stops ringing and we're supporting a lot more people this year with food parcels.

"We're hearing of folk losing their jobs and moving on to Universal Credit and not being told that the £20 a week is temporary."

As well as toys, the Foodshare is appealing for toiletries, non-perishable foods, selection boxes, and gifts.

Clair added: "The donations are coming in a lot slower than they were in previous years.

"We've given a cut off date of December 10 and we're hoping more donations will come in right up until then.

"We have great partnerships with most support organisations in West Dunbartonshire and as well as submitting referrals, they all support us by doing local collections.

"We get good support from local businesses too, but if anyone else is looking to have a collection within their workplace or school we can provide posters and different supplies for them."

In Dumbarton, toy donations can be dropped off at Dumbarton Library, Balloch Library, Royal Bank of Scotland on High Street, Energie Fitness, or Leven Valley Enterprise Centre.

For large collections, the foodshare scheme’s volunteers can organise pick up by its charity van.

This can be organised by calling 01389 764135.

The cut off date for donations is Friday, December 10.

Anyone looking to apply to the toybank should contact West Dunbartonshire Community Foodshare by calling 01389 764135 or freephone 0800 345 7050.