A FOODBANK in Glasgow is appealing for help to provide Christmas dinner for people struggling to make ends meet.

Drumchapel Foodbank, which is backing the Evening Times' Food for Thought campaign, wants to reduce the financial stress of the festive period by supplying Christmas food boxes.

They are asking members of the local community to start donating long lasting items, including frozen potatoes, frozen brussels sprouts and other frozen vegetables.

Organisers would also like donations of mince pies, Christmas puddings, cake, stuffing, gravy granules and snacks, such as cheese twists, chocolate and selection boxes.

As December 25 approaches, organisers will also be hoping for donations of fresh food including, small chickens, potatoes, parsnips and sausages wrapped in bacon.

Drumchapel Foodbank is run by The Kingsridge Economic Development Group in partnership with Drumchapel L.I.F.E and is funded by Support and Connect at The Big Lottery Fund.

Group manager Liz Atkinson said: "We hope that providing items towards a Christmas meal will help to reduce some of the financial pressures Christmas can bring.

"Any donation people can make towards this would be greatly appreciated."

Kenny Macdonald, manager of Drumchapel L.I.F.E, said: "We are all too familiar with the financial pressures that exist around Christmas time, even for those of us who are not experiencing financial crisis. However, for those who are, these pressures are magnified many times.

"At Drumchapel Foodbank we wish to mobilise the goodwill of the public to help ease the pressure of the people who we see on a daily basis and who are finding it difficult to get by financially."

The foodbank provides a seven-day supply of emergency food and personal hygiene items to those in the community experiencing financial crisis.

The staff also link users with other agencies who can help with problems.

Foodbank development worker Oonagh Brown said: "At this time of year a concern for many of the people who attend The Drumchapel Foodbank is Christmas.

"Many feel pressure about providing a special day for their families when dealing with ongoing financial difficulties.

"As a way to alleviate some of that stress we aim to offer a contribution to a Christmas meal.

"We hope this will support individuals, couples and families throughout this period."

Foodbank bosses ask that fresh food items are donated on Monday December 22 between 9am and noon, so they can be packed and distributed on Tuesday, December 23.

Donations of Christmas items should be made to KCEDG Main Reception, Unit 9, Ladyloan Place, G15 8LB.

Their drop-in is at the Phoenix Centre in Monymusk Place every Tuesday between 2pm-5pm.