Two Kirkcaldy charities get £500 worth of fuel each from ExxonMobil to meet demand for help during the pandemic

Two charities in Kirkcaldy helping locals during the pandemic have been given £500 worth of fuel each by ExxonMobil.

Volunteers at Kirkcaldy Foodbank and the Cottage Family Centre will be able to use the fuel to fill up the tanks of vehicles used while collecting food donated by local supermarkets and the public.

It's amid major demand for help from both organisations during the lockdown.

Donations are taken directly to homes around the town and to delivery points.

ExxonMobil operate the Fife Ethylene Plant at Mossmorran. 

The firm has paid tribute to the work of both charities during the coronavirus crisis.

Both organisations have welcomed the company's support.

ExxonMobil plant manager at Mossmorran Jacob McAlister said: "With our fuel brand Esso we are proud to support the extraordinary work of both charities.

"Many of the most vulnerable in our communities are unable to leave home, so the ability to deliver to them is a vital service."

Chair of Kirkcaldy Foodbank Joyce Leggate said: "Over the COVID-19 period Kirkcaldy Foodbank has struggled to maintain the stock levels we require due to difficulties particularly around the lack of delivery slots from suppliers.

"This means volunteers, some of whom are not employed, are spending most of the week driving around collecting food from various places using their own cars and fuel, which is admirable.

"However this generous donation of fuel cards from ExxonMobil at Fife Ethylene Plant will allow us to continue this activity for the foreseeable future and could not have come at a better time."

Service manager at the Cottage Family Centre Pauline Buchan said: "Demand for our help has more than doubled in recent weeks, particularly for our packed lunches for children.

"More families in the Kirkcaldy area are finding themselves with no source of income and in dire need of help with food and utility bills.

"With every spare penny going on these costs, fuel costs have been overlooked.

"These are always an additional expense for our staff and volunteers who deliver our services, so this donation is very welcome indeed.

"We are very grateful to ExxonMobil and these cards will help keep our deliveries running for some time."