Support needed for Eastwood Volunteer Bureau Valentine's Day raffle

The raffle is just part of the initiatives carried out by the charity each year to help bring in much needed funds.

The prizes are made up of goods that have been donated to the charity over the last few months, including several hampers of goodies with everything from chocolates, sweets and luxury food items to toiletries, gift sets and other personal items.

Rachel Laurenson, bureau manager, said: “We heavily rely on donations of food, grants and fund raising to keep our services going.

“We are very grateful for all the lovely items that have been donated and hope they help us raise as much money as possible.

The raffle draw will take place at the bureau on February 12.

The bureau, which is based on Wellington Place, offers three important community services – the food bank, a transport scheme and befreiding scheme.

The food bank is every Friday between 9am and 11am at the bureau’s based on Wellington Place and is for registered users only.

Anyone wanting to register will need to to undertake a simple disposable income review beforehand.

To register, call 01773 535255 or drop in for an appointment.

The transport scheme provides low-cost transport for the vulnerable and elderly for visits to doctors, hospital, shopping or visiting friends.

Again, call 01773 535255 to register.

The befriending scheme is for lonely and vulnerable people to meet up for one hour a week for a chat and a catch up.

Male and female befrienders of all ages available and new volunteers are always welcome as drivers and befrienders.

All volunteers require a simple DBS check and can volunteer at times that suit them.

The bureau also welcomes donations and food for the foodbank as well as unwanted new gifts and bric-a-brac for their fundraising activities.