A MOTHER'S Day appeal to help West Fife mums in need has been launched by the Dunfermline Foodbank.

Every week, the organisation sees women struggling to afford food let alone expensive items like nappies and sanitary products.

It is calling for donations of shampoo, sanitary products, nappies, shower gel and toothpaste to help local women and their children this weekend.

Manager Jonathan Astill says they regularly meet mums who share heart-breaking stories about the difficulties they face putting food on their children’s plates.

"No mum should feel like they have let their children down because something outside their control, like illness or an unexpected bill, has thrown the family into crisis– that’s why we give not only emergency food but also compassionate support and hope when people are referred to us," he explained.

"When you’re struggling to afford food, you’re often struggling to afford other basics like loo roll, shampoo and women’s sanitary products too.

"Perhaps unsurprisingly, toiletries are not the first thing most people think of when they’re donating to a foodbank but they do make a huge difference in restoring some normality when you’re at the point of crisis.

"Whatever you are able to give this Mother’s Day will help local mums who are struggling to know that there are people who care.”

Adrian Curtis, Foodbank Network Director of The Trussell Trust which runs a network of Foodbanks including the one in Dunfermline, said it was surprising how much hope something small can bring.

"We hear of mums overwhelmed by the kindness of local people who have donated shower gel, nappies, sanitary products or a little chocolate," he said.

"Foodbanks work hard to provide more than food, because people tell us that when you’re facing crisis it’s the little things, like a gift of shampoo or a small box of chocolates, which can help make you feel human again.”  

Anyone interested in helping the foodbank to support a local mum facing hunger can make a financial donate at https://dunfermline.foodbank.org.uk/give-help/donate-money/ or drop off donations at 78 Dickson Street, Dunfermline, KY12 7SL.