Food bank praises ‘unbelievable’ generosity of locals

VOLUNTEERS at a Killyclogher food bank have been glowing in their praise of local people and businesses during the pandemic.

Those behind the St Vincent de Paul (SVP) shop on Circular Road set up the food bank in response to the growing need from families in the area who were struggling.

The initiative has been a great success and is continuing to help many people.

Anne Marie Hughes, 62, president of the St Mary’s SVP Conference, told the UH, “We had issues during the pandemic because we are a charity, and where we get our funding from is chapel collections and the shop.

“But, of course, there was no chapel and the shop was closed.

“So our funding was getting very, very low but there was a great need within the area. Tommy [Moohan], our shop manager, came up with an idea to contact some of the bigger stores and Dunnes Stores were immediately fantastic.”

The Dunnes Stores branch in Omagh put out a trolley to allow customers to donate food items to help stock the food bank.

Anne Marie said the food bank has been very well stocked due to the efforts from the branch and other local shops, including the recent delivery of a “mountain of Corn Flakes”.

“It started off very small at the beginning of the pandemic and then it grew. People were fantastic, so we then decided to put out the leaflets to ask for the things we need,” Anne Marie added.

Maintaining the “dignity” of those who need the service is utmost in the mind of the volunteers, Anne Marie explained, which is offered through a discreet hotline in which people in need can ask for what they need.

The food is then delivered out to their homes, where the volunteer can also offer food vouchers which can be used at many local shops and supermarkets.

Anne Marie said, “At the end of the day, no matter what, it is the generosity of the people here in the area of Killyclogher. It is unbelievable how generous the people are.”

l Anyone who needs to access the food bank service or any other assistance from SVP can confidentially leave a voicemail on 07738837992.

BY JAMES KELLY

j.kelly@ulsterherald.com