Staff of Melville Housing Association have raised £800 for a local charity that provides food and support for people in crisis.

The Midlothian Foodbank, which is based at Gorebridge Parish Church, has been Melville’s nominated charity for the past 12 months and provides an invaluable lifeline, giving three days of emergency food to help out when times are at their toughest.

Melville’s £800 donation was raised through a number of events including regular dress down days, home baking, and a Christmas movie and raffle event.

“On behalf of all the volunteers at the Foodbank I’d like to thank Melville staff for their fantastic fundraising efforts,” said Janice Burns, the Foodbank Manager.

“Every donation is significant but this money will allow us to make sure we get in the sort of food and household items that are most in demand. The help we provide can make a real difference to people’s lives and we couldn’t do it without the support of organisations like Melville.”

Managed by the Trussell Trust, the Foodbank provides three days of long-lasting food (tins, packets etc, nothing fresh), to make up a balanced diet and is run by a team of dedicated volunteers. Janice and her team hold food drives twice a year at Tesco Hardengreen as well as providing permanent drop boxes at locations across Midlothian.

“The Foodbank is an extremely important charity providing invaluable help and support to local people,” said Melville’s Caroline Langton.

“We’re delighted to have been able to help out by fundraising over the past twelve months but just because the year is up it doesn’t mean our involvement has ended. We will continue to collect donations of food and other items from staff and members of the public at our office in Dalkeith.”