Nine deserving charities, including food banks, pantries, and youth development programmes, are celebrating this Christmas thanks to a series of festive donations, totalling over £7,000, by key affordable housing provider Melville Housing Association.

The nine organisations, spread across Midlothian and beyond, have each received payments to help with their work tackling hardship and inequality over the busy festive period; they are Aberlour, Clydesdale Foodbank, Dalkeith Storehouse, Edinburgh and Lothian Trust Fund, Mayfield Pantry, Gorebridge-based Midlothian Foodbank, Penicuik Foodbank, Woodburn Pantry and Mayfield-based youth charity Y2K.

Part of Melville’s ongoing commitment to giving back to the community, the donations target organisations that provide essentials and services to underserved populations.

“We really appreciate this generous donation,” said Alistair Rogers of the Edinburgh and Lothian Trust Fund. “I am sorry to say it has been another incredibly challenging year with households struggling to afford every day basic items. The demand for our services has continued to grow year on year and every penny that is donated is used to support people in need.”

All supported charities have expressed their gratitude, noting that these contributions will help them better meet the growing demand for assistance.

“We are grateful for the support we've received from the community and believe in paying it forward,” said Kirsten Dean Depute Chief Executive of Melville Housing. “These contributions help us make a meaningful impact on the lives of local families and individuals during this important but often difficult time of year.

“We’re seeing an even greater demand on our services than ever before but any Melville tenant who is struggling should contact us and if we can’t help directly we will point them in the direction of an organisation that can.”