Robert Lloyd - a Sir Gar Blog of random news . . . and some Clecs!

Members of Llanelli Rotary Club have again been busy collecting for the Llanelli Food Bank based at Myrtle House. The food bank distributes much-needed food parcels to needy families and individuals in Llanelli. Co-ordinator Claire Childs told Rotarians: "The problem is massive. We are hearing from more agencies and more people are becoming involved. But we are running out of food quite quickly. We are really struggling at the moment because the demand has got so big so quickly." Back in May last year the number of needy people seeking essential food aid had doubled to almost 100 people. Many had literally nothing in the house at all, said Claire. She said: "We really need food at the moment. If anybody wants to come and donate food or bring it to the food bank, we are open five days a week, from 10am to 1pm. "We don't buy food, we rely on food donated by local people. It is a case of the community helping itself." She said there were many reasons for t...

People are being asked to help families in need through a new Christmas Toybox scheme. Carmarthenshire County Council is working with Myrtle House in Llanelli, Towy Community Church in Carmarthen, the Evangelical Church in Ammanford, and Communities First Pantyffynnon, to help make Christmas easier for those in difficult financial situations. People are being asked to donate new toys for children and young people aged from birth to 16, for boys and girls. Local Service Board organisations which include the council, Hywel Dda Health Board, Dyfed Powys Police, University of Wales Trinity Saint David, and Coleg Sir Gar are all asking staff if they would like to contribute. The Llanelli Star, Carmarthen Journal and South Wales Guardian are also supporting the appeal. Collections points have been set up at Ty Elwyn, Llanelli Town Hall and the Llanelli Star office in Cowell Street; at County Hall, Spilman Street and the Carmarthen Journal offices in Carmarthen; at Ammanford Town Hall and the...

Llanelli Rotary Club members have made a significant contribution to the town's Food Bank. And last week they received first-hand news about how the Food Bank is distributing food to the needy in Llanelli. The Rotary club's guest speaker at their weekly meeting at the Stradey Park Hotel was Food Bank co-ordinator Claire Childs, who explained how the food is distributed from Myrtle House in Llanelli. The Rotary club members, and staff at Llanelli Rural Council, collected more than 65kg of food for the Myrtle House Food Bank. Club president Graham Williams said members had been shocked to discover the level of need in Llanelli. Mr Williams added: "Rotary Club members have been impressed with the way the Myrtle House operation is organised. There are safeguards in place to make sure the food goes to those truly in need and everything works very efficiently. "I know that members of the Rotary Club were shocked to discover the level of need in Llanelli for the Food Bank se...