MEMBERS of the Clydebank Rotary Club have come together to help the homeless - by donating packs of essentials.

The group fund-raise to support local charities, organisations and schools, but they also help people in need in other countries.

Now they have donated boxes of basic necessities in the hope of giving those being rehoused in the area a head start.

The club’s vice-president, Stuart MacNair, told the Post about their latest efforts to help causes in the area.

He said: “We have just donated 10 sets of kitchen equipment to the Clydebank Homeless Unit and also four sets to Old Kilpatrick Food Parcels.

“The packs include a dinner set, an electric kettle, a toaster, glasses, mugs, sharp knives, cutlery sets, saucepans, frying pans and other bits and pieces such as potato peelers, and sieves.

“Although we send money to various charities abroad, we decided it was time to spend some money locally.

“We support the St Margaret of Scotland Hospice a great deal and we wanted to help the homeless too.”

Old Kilpatrick Food Parcels (OKFP) provides free emergency food items as well as help and support, but will also be handing out homeless packs to those who need them most.

The charitable effort was set up by Maureen and Gordon Cummings last spring when they were both furloughed.

Stuart added: “What we’ve found is that when homeless people are rehoused, they might get a bed, a cooker, a fridge and a table, but they don’t have basic essentials such as mugs, glasses, frying pans, or saucepans.

“We decided to make up 10 sets and we’ve delivered them all.

“It’s just basic equipment we all take for granted, such as a can opener, but things which those who are homeless might not have.

“Maureen from Old Kilpatrick Food Parcels was absolutely over the moon with the donation.

“They make up starter packs for people who are moving into their first flat or home.

“The volunteers make up packs which are purely designated for people who are starting up in houses or flats who really do need it.

“Clydebank Homeless Unit were also delighted with the donation.”

Old Kilpatrick Food Parcels founder Maureen Cummings said: “The starter kits donated by Clydebank Rotary Club will make the world of difference to the vulnerable people who will receive them.

“Having to start your life over again at the best of times must be daunting, however, having to start all over with nothing of your own must be even more traumatic.

“We are delighted to partner with Clydebank Rotary on this initiative and we will be providing food and toiletries to complement their starter kits.”