A Dwyfor food bank is appealing to the public for festive donations this week.

The chair of Pwllheli food bank told the Cambrian News that a rise in donations from the public this year has been “heartwarming” to see, and one more push is needed.

The food bank, located at St Peter’s Church in Pwllheli, is asking for festive donations to create Christmas packs.

Items such as mince pies, Christmas biscuits and chocolate selection boxes for children are being asked for to create the packs, which will be handed out on Tuesday, 15 December.

Karen said: “Our usual packs provide food for around three days. The Christmas packs will have items such as tins of ham and salmon, mince pies and Christmas cake.

“It’s things which people would put in their own trolley at the supermarket.

“In this area, it’s hard at Christmas in a normal year.

“There’s a lot of seasonal employment and people struggle.

“We are often busiest in January and February when more people are struggling to make ends meet.”

Karen explained how the demand for the food bank has changed this year compared to others, saying: “We used to only provide packs for people who were referred to us with vouchers. We are now seeing more people who are struggling to cope after furlough.

“At the moment, the public has been so generous. We have had an increase in donations and it is heart-warming to see.”

Donations need to be with the food bank by this Friday, 11 December.

They can be taken to St Peter’s Church between 1pm and 3pm tomorrow (Tuesday) and Friday.

For more information, call Karen Cooper on 0774 7800 320 or visit the ‘Banc Bwyd Pwllheli’ Facebook page.