Appeal for donations as Coronavirus self-isolation guidelines put strain on Scarborough’s Rainbow Centre

A post on the centre’s Facebook page read:

“To our supporters.... thank you for keeping us in your thoughts. The odd tin or two dropped into the food baskets at local supermarkets is helping to keep us going.

“We are so grateful for any food or financial donations. The road ahead is going to be a tough one.

“Many of our volunteers fall within the high risk category which will have a huge impact on how we meet the needs of vulnerable people in the community.

“If you are in a position to help please get in touch. Thank you.”

Trish Kinsella, manager of the Rainbow Centre, said: “We particularly need food and the money to buy food. We’ve started doing deliveries to those who are isolated. But we can’t do big deliveries, because we have no stock.”

She said that supermarkets limiting people to four or five tins of certain items has already seen donations to the centre drop.

Kerry said: “If you would like to donate, you can either leave items at reception, or leave them just inside the white double doors at the front of the building, there are usually people here from 7.30.

She said the centre will stay open as long as they are able to. “We’re taking every day as it comes, but we’ve no plans to close unless we’re told to do so. We will absolutely stay open to meet the needs of the local community.”

If you would like to volunteer or make a food donation, you can contact the Rainbow Centre via Facebook or by calling 01723 500663.

If you would like to offer financial support, the Virgin Money giving page can be found here: The Rainbow Centre