Portgordon pantry launch serves up lockdown boost
THERE was a double lockdown boost for Portgordon residents when two new initiatives were launched in the village.
The car park of the village hall was the venue for the official unveiling of the Portgordon Pantry project alongside the Portgordon Off The Shelf (POTS) book swap scheme.
Created by the Portgordon Coronavirus Support Group (PCSG), the pantry has been purpose-built to serve as a round-the-clock drop-off and collection point for villagers who find themselves in need. Residents will be free to access the pantry – which contains personal care and cleaning items as well as food – at any time.
There are also craft supplies on hand at the pantry as well as a suggestion box.
Literally just round the corner the Lampie Hoose was throwing open its doors to a world not just of books but puzzles and and games, too. With Moray Council libraries closed as part of the lockdown precautions, it is hoped that the initiative will provide an opportunity for villagers to avail themselves of a good read or something to while away the time.
Open every Tuesday from 2pm to 4pm, the book swap will be run on a socially-distanced, one-in-one-out basis. donations to the scheme are also most welcome.
Scott Sliter, representing Portgordon Coronavirus Support Group, said: “We came together to offer our fellow residents support in the form of a shopping, prescription and hot meal delivery service, as well as a friendly face or just a chat on the phone, but we felt there was more we could do.
"We don't know how long the effects of this crisis will last and some of the economic problems people face will just be starting to bite. So, inspired by similar initiatives in other rural villages, we felt an open-all-hours pantry with useful goods would reach even more villagers in need.
"We encourage people to use it and to make donations as well.”
Inspiration for the pantry first game from group member Ruth Ewen.
The Portgordon Coronavirus Support Group was formed in March by local volunteers to offer essential support to the Portgordon community during the Covid-19 outbreak. Anyone who needs assistance should call 07399 031253.
The group depends on village-led contributions of donated food and non-perishables while the broader scope of the Covid-19 support efforts is made possible by help from the Moray food pantry, the Beatrice Wind farm micro grant, the Lennox Community Council and the Scottish Government.
These sources allow the support group to maintain the phone service, provide weekly hot meals, fortnightly food baskets, community-wide printed bulletins and the Portgordon Cares Grant, a non-means tested granted for households needing some financial relief.
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