Charity asks for county’s support

Feb 25 2010 by Marjorie Kerr, West Lothian Courier

A CHARITY are urging West Lothian people to clear out their homes and donate any unwanted goods.

The Blythswood Care lorry will make an appearance in West Lothian on Wednesday, March 3, giving local residents an ideal incentive for a spring clean.

Blythswood collects unwanted items, such as clothing, household goods, bric-a-brac, foodstuffs and toys, both to distribute as aid to needy families and to sell in their charity shops to finance the work.

The lorry will stop at Iceland in Bathgate, from 9am to 9.30am and at Somerfield in Craigshill, Livingston, from 10am to 10.30am.

The regular visits ensure a personal handover to Blythswood and donors can be confident that the donated goods will be used for the benefit of the charity.

Blythswood Care is a Christian charity, based in Scotland.

Many people know of the work through the Shoe Box Appeal, but throughout the year Blythswood distributes relief aid, supports social care projects, works to alleviate child poverty and carries out gospel mission work. Blythswood has worked in Eastern Europe for more than 20 years and now also works in India and Africa.

Margaret Tooth, area fundraising manager, said: “We really depend on donations to the lorry to enable us to send aid to less fortunate people. If you are unsure whether something would be of use, the driver can advise you.”

The uplift of larger items of furniture can be arranged by calling Blythswood’s Hillington depot on 0141 882 0585. All soft furnishings must have a fire label with the British Standards code (BS7177) attached.

If you wish to know more about the work of Blythswood please visit www.blythswood.org