HUNDREDS of tins and other items of food have been donated by generous Borough of Poole staff and councillors to the Poole Food Bank.

For the fourth year the council was involved in Mitzvah Day, an annual inter-faith international day of social action led by the Jewish community.

Council staff and councillors stockpiled tinned goods, cereal, tea, coffee, fruit juice and other items to donate to the charity which provides food parcels to local people in genuine need.

Items were also collected for donation to Poole Nappy Bank, a new initiative launched by Dorset Healthcare’s B First Project earlier this year which helps provide local families with items such as nappies, shower gel, toothbrushes and toothpaste which can put a strain on a budget. Cllr Karen Rampton, cabinet portfolio holder for equalities, Borough of Poole, said: “I’d like to thank everyone at the council who has given so generously in support of such a worthwhile local cause.

“It goes to show just what can be achieved when we all pull together to help one another.

“Unfortunately more and more people in Poole are in genuine need of assistance from the Food Bank and Nappy Bank.

“As well as providing food and other goods in an emergency, these organisations can also provide an outlet for people to talk about their problems and identify possible sources of help. This can be enough to encourage people to find a way out of their difficult situation.”

Poole Food Bank is open Tuesday to Friday at Longfleet Reformed Church and donations can be made by arrangement at other times.

For more information go to faithworkswessex.org.uk/poolefoodbank or call 01202 669566.

For the Nappy Bank contact Rachel Hearson at Heatherview Medical Centre on 01202 722233 or email rachael.hearso n@dhuft.nhs. uk