TAVISTOCK Foodbank was delighted with the response from the community following an article in the Times earlier this month appealing for donations for winter stock — but the charity is now appealing for specific items.

The foodbank is seeking Christmas donations from members of the community, as well as supermarkets, churches, schools and local businesses. Food must be non-perishable and have a long shelf-life.

Specific donations being requested by the foodbank are tinned ham, tinned salmon, Christmas pudding, brandy sauce, Pringles, Shloer, nuts, chocolate, luxury biscuits, cheese, biscuits and crackers. A special request is also being made for male and female toiletries.

Tavistock Foodbank aims to end poverty and hunger in the UK through the provision of practical help to those in need. Part of the Trussell Trust’s UK-wide foodbank network, the charity provides a three-day supply of emergency food to those experiencing crises in the PL19/20 areas.

Tavistock Foodbank chairman Valerie O’Neill said: ‘Last year over the Christmas period alone, 128 individuals were fed by the Tavistock Foodbank — 41 of whom were children. The foodbank also issued 50 Christmas boxes to vulnerable families in the local area.’

Christmas donations need to be made by December 9.

Call 07941 436149 for further information or visit the foodbank, which operates every Friday between 10am and 2pm from the basement of the United Reformed Church in Russell Street.

Readers wishing to receive a food parcel should request a food voucher from one of the following Tavistock referring agencies and then take it to the foodbank.

The referring agencies are Citizen’s Advice Bureau, DATA (Debt Advice Tavistock), Devon Drug Service, Devon and Cornwall Police, Salvation Army, Tavistock Area Children’s Centre, TASS, West Devon Borough Council Housing, West Devon Mental Health Team, Tavistock Community Primary School, Devon and Cornwall Care Services, Devon Domestic Abuse Services and Devon and Cornwall Housing.