Dumbarton clothing bank aiming to raise awareness of service

Westbrigend Clothing Bank was opened in November last year by retired carer Elaine Neeson.

The service provides clothes for all age groups, from babies to adults.

And Elaine wants to make more people aware of the support that is available during the cost of living crisis.

She said: "The clothes mostly come from donations, but people also hand in cash.

"That money allows me to buy more garments for the clothing bank and also containers so that what we have available is displayed properly.

"It has been getting busier each month since we opened. It is unbelievable the amount of people that are coming in.

"It is not just for people who live nearby, it is there for anyone that needs it."

The service is available every Monday and Tuesday between 11am and 3pm in Flat One at Lomond Court, Westbrigend.

And Elaine opened up on the help she has received from the people of Dumbarton.

"If the demand increases for me to open another clothing bank using another community flat then I will approach the council and ask," she continued.

"They were delighted to give me the property twice a week.

"It is just my friend and I who volunteer so we do rely a lot on the generosity of others. 

"People have been very charitable with their donations. We have been getting bin bags of baby clothes handed in.

"The public have been very kind."

Elaine has a history of volunteering and charity work.

And she explained what led to her launching the clothing bank.

"I previously helped out at the Craigandro Pavillion in Renton with the community party offering tea and biscuits for anyone who wanted to come in," she added. 

"I then got involved with the Tontine Food Pantry.

"I have gone from working in the pavilion to helping at the foodbank to then doing this.

"To see people who are struggling, and to have helped them in a small way, is very rewarding."