VALLEYS AM Alun Davies is launching his Christmas campaign to appeal for donations for the Blaenau Gwent foodbank.

Following the success of his appeal last year, when hundreds of items were given by members of the public, the Blaenau Gwent AM has decided to once again throw open the doors of his Brynmawr office for people to drop off goods.

The foodbank, based at Festival Church, Ebbw Vale, provides help and support for people in crisis all over the borough and helps thousands of families every year.

It relies on schools, churches, businesses and individuals from the area to donate non-perishable, in-date food.

Supermarket collections are also one of the main ways that food is donated, where volunteers give shoppers a foodbank shopping list and ask them to buy items for local people in crisis.

Volunteers sort food to check that it’s in date and pack it into boxes ready to be given to people in need.

Mr Davies, who is a strong supporter of the work of the charity, said: “The foodbank is a lifeline to some people in our borough.

“It replies completely on charitable donations and at this time of year, when many families are struggling to pay for extras like rising fuel bills or the pressures of Christmas, its donations really make all the difference to those in crisis.

“I appeal to everyone throughout Blaenau Gwent to pick up an extra item or two the next time you are out food shopping and drop them into my office.

“Let’s do our bit to help those less fortunate this Christmas.”

If you would like to give a donation, call Mr Davies on 01495 311160 or email laura.doel@wales.gov.uk To find out more details on the foodbank, call 0845 600 77 80.