FIVE local grocery stores across Dumbarton and the Vale have signed up to an initiative to support their local communities through the coronavirus lockdown. ​

Day Today stores on Merkins Avenue, Bellsmyre and Hawthornhill Avenue in Castlehill have been joined on the Viral Kindness Scotland scheme by similar outlets on Brown Street in Balloch and Dillichip Road in Bonhill.

The Day Today Express store in Balloch Road, Balloch is also part of the initiative.

They donate food and essentials to residents in their communities who have been affected by the lockdown.​

Viral Kindness Scotland is an initiative started by the Sarwar Foundation, led by Glasgow MSP Anas Sarawar.

The Labour MSP teamed up with more than 750 local businesses and organisations in Scotland to drive the community-led project and ensure there is food available for the vulnerable.​

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The scheme offers support for people who are lonely, as well as identifying vulnerable people who need help, and making vital connections with local volunteers, businesses and charities.​

A total of 250,000 Viral Kindness Scotland postcards have been distributed to stores by the Sarwar Foundation for consumers and shopkeepers to identify vulnerable people in their local communities.

The postcards be returned to the charity by Freepost.​

Mr Sarwar said: “The response from individuals, charities, community groups and businesses in Scotland has been overwhelming.​

“The increased community spirit produced as a result of the coronavirus outbreak has resulted in hundreds of people receiving help.​

“By pulling together and by mobilising our communities, we can all look out for our families, our friends and our neighbours. ​

“Initiatives are springing up organically in communities across the country, and the project is uniquely designed to make those vital connections between people and organisations.”

Viral Kindness Scotland can be contacted at viralkindness.scot or on 0800 054 2282.​