Two modern-day Samaritans say they are at breaking point in their efforts to help the needy.
And they have appealed for help in replenishing their stock of food for desperate Preston residents.
Lynn Fahy and Debbie Clegg, who run the not-for-profit organisation Dovedale Pride, say they are overwhelmed with requests for help.
But they estimate that they will run out of food in the next few days.
Lynn, 49, and Debbie, 43, run the service from their homes in Ingol. However, Lynn said that they were both now struggling to deal with the emotional demands of providing food, clothing and advice for people.
She said: “We’re running out of food and we don’t have any more storage space for clothing either.
“If someone comes to us asking for a specific item of school clothing we can’t find it because our sheds are so packed.
“I’m at breaking point; I could cry.
“We’ve got the school holidays coming up and we know we’re going to be inundated because those on free school meals won’t be getting them over that time.”
Lynn said that Dovedale Pride was at a standstill because of difficulties getting funding.
She said: “If there is someone out there who knows how to put in a funding bid we’d love to hear from them.”
She said that all they had managed to secure so far was a laptop.
Dovedale Pride was set up originally to help provide school uniform for cash-strapped families.
But the two friends soon recognised that there was also a basic need for food among everyone from young families to the elderley.
Now, families often turn to them for advice for anything from debt to housing rather than going to official agencies.
And there is no particular profile that these individuals fit into; some are unemployed, others have been employed, used their credit cards, lost their jobs and then got into debt.
Lynn added: “We’re just exhausted from trying to find a way to help people. We never turn anyone away.”
Dovedale Pride is appealing for food, especially items such as pasta, rice and tinned goods and would also like to hear from anyone who can help or advise on securing more funding.
If you can help in any way, contact Lynn or Debbie on 07835 043206.
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