On Monday - not a day the pantry is usually open - coordinator Christine Welsh said the roller door was open as volunteers dropped off their Aldi bounty.

A family of four - Joe and Viv, and children Jasper and Ava - came in with boxes of toys.

"Jasper and Ava had carefully chosen their own toys, washed them, and wanted to give them to the Pantry to give to other kids who didn't have toys for Christmas," Christine said.

"A beautiful tale, and a great lesson in generosity."

Meanwhile, Christine said the pantry also had a recent visit from a man who was sleeping in his car and looking for food, as he had no money coming in until Friday.

"He is cooking on the barbecue in the park, so we gave him food which could be heated that way, plus some tea, coffee, milk, sugar, bread, fruit, vegetables, soups," she said.

"He only took enough for his needs, refused to take any more, and thanked us and the community for their help."

Christine said the pantry relied a lot on donations - of rescued food, of excess food, of pantry cleanouts, of volunteer time, and of cash donations.

She encouraged everyone to consider shopping at the pantry as the more turnover it has, the more it can help others like the man living in his car.

"We rely on turnover to fund what we do - many people are reluctant to shop with us because they think they are taking food away from people in need.

"But the message I want to share is that the stock on our shelves is purchased, and we add a small amount to cover running costs and giving away food.

"The more turnover we have, the more we are able to cover our costs and give food away. And if people still feel reluctant, they are welcome to come shop, pay, and add a bit extra as a cash donation.

"Shopping at the Sapphire Community Pantry helps not only yourself, but others as well."

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