Ystradgynlais Foodbank has praised the local community’s generosity following a recent series of donations that saw them receive over £1500.

The organisation received £611 from Christine Griffiths of Wonderful Welsh cakes and Makes, £750 from Nicola Wilson-Bowen of Rainbow Cottage Dog Services, £154 from members of the Ystradgynlais Conservative Club, and £163 in sponsorship money from the Sponsored Fire-walk they held last month.

Carol Gordon, a volunteer at Ystradgynlais food bank, was keen to stress the significance of these donations during the festive season.

Carol said: “So far, December has been busier than any other month to date and we expect the trend to continue.

“The donations we have received will enable us to buy enough food supplies to last us well into the New Year.

“We expect January to be very busy also, as people will have struggled to provide the best Christmas they can for their families, often going into debt to do so.

“The additional funds will enable us to make sure that we are well stocked.”

The food bank now looks to Christmas later this week, as it plans to donate 50 hampers to members of the local community who are in need.

Carol expanded on the work going on behind the scenes to make that plan a reality.

“We are also distributing 50 Christmas hampers to local people in need," she said.

“We have had a fantastic response to our request for food, gifts, and toys but the additional money will mean that we can purchase any items that we may be short of.

“Each hamper will include 1/2 frozen turkey crown, sausages, bacon, pigs in blankets, eggs, vegetables, baked beans, and stuffing, which has all been provided by a local group of concerned residents, called Community Dreams.

“They fundraise throughout the year to help local people and to pay for all of these items for the hampers.

“Our local butcher, Mark Griffiths has supplied all of the meat at cost price. The Foodbank will top up the hampers with donated food, including selection boxes, chocolates, cakes, biscuits, drinks, savoury snacks, pickles, gravy, etc.

“Plus, a wrapped new gift for each child and hopefully, a gift for each adult. We are all working flat out, 7 days a week to get everything prepared."