New Year, New You? - Sponsored Editorial

Looking to try something new in 2026?

Why not volunteer and make a difference not just to your life but to your local community…

Volunteers from local charity Old Kilpatrick Food Parcels (OKFP) are urging others to give it a go.

Helen McCoo from Dalmuir, started volunteering with the charity this summer. She explained why she got involved: “I moved back here in 2023 from Paisley and went to the old OKFP in Station Road.

“I fell and fractured my wrist and being stuck in the house was really getting me down.

“So, I decided that when I got better I would get out and do things that help my mental health. The food pantry helped me - so I wanted to help them.

“Iʼm so happy to have joined.

“If someone is thinking about it, Iʼd say go for it! Itʼs a bit hard but give yourself that push to get out the door and volunteer – itʼs a great wee place!”

The OKFP charity was started by just two volunteers - Maureen and Gordon Cummings – who wanted to help the local community during the pandemic.

And with the support of local volunteers, it has gone from strength to strength.

Now volunteers help with the running of OKFP Napier Hall, the Wee Chatty Café as well as the Food Pantry.

Maureen said: “Since we started in 2020, weʼve had nearly 200 people volunteer their time with us.

“Our current team of over 40 volunteers range in age from 10 - 80.

“Weʼre an inclusive charity there are no qualifications or experience required - you just need to be kind-hearted.”

There are a variety of volunteer roles available with OKFP including admin support, social media, help in the food pantry, cleaning, driving to collect food donations, supporting arts and crafts activities as well as fundraising and board members.

Maureen added: “Itʼs a well proven fact that volunteering not only helps the organisation but also helps your own well-being and mental health.

“Weʼll be looking for new volunteers to help with all aspects of our work in the Food Pantry, Napier Hall and Wee Chatty Café in 2026.

“So why not make your new year resolution to find a local charity and donate an hour or two of your time a week – you never know, it could change your life!”

To find out about volunteering with OKFP pop into the Napier Hall hub between 11am – 3pm Monday to Friday for a chat.