A WEST Belfast food bank service which is collecting donations for those affected by the devastating earthquakes in Turkey and Syria has praised the "incredible" response so far.
Foodstock on the Andersonstown Road is working in collaboration with a number of NGOs who are on the ground in the countries, where more than 20,000 people have lost their lives.
The massive earthquakes struck near Gaziantep in Turkey in the early hours of Monday, killing thousands, injuring thousands and destroying cities and towns.
Rescuers are continuing to work in freezing temperatures to try and find those who are still missing amid the masses of rubble.
However, the rescue efforts are being hampered by the damage caused to roads and airports.
As a result of the disaster, thousands of people have found themselves homeless and having to live on the streets or in their cars.
Speaking to The Irish News, Paul Doherty, who founded Foodstock, which includes a food bank which helps more than 400 households per week, said he and his team of volunteers are currently making plans to get the donations to those who need it.
"We are responding as best we can by making an appeal for donations," he said.
"Foodstock has been involved in an ongoing humanitarian response to the war in Ukraine and has taken a team to the region with medical aid, disability aid and essential items.
"We have had to overcome many obstacles to get lorries there and we will incorporate a lot of that experience into what we have to do here also".
Mr Doherty said Foodstock is appealing for donations of nappies, baby food/milk, hygiene and sanitary products, toiletries, new sleeping bags, and new gloves, hats and scarves.
The items can be left at Foodstock, 150 Andersonstown Road, from Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm and from 9am to 1pm on a Saturday.
Donations can also be left at the Oh Yeah Centre, Gordon Street in Belfast city centre, from Monday to Wednesday, 9am to 5pm and on a Saturday from 1pm to 5pm.
Mr Doherty said there had already been an "incredible" response.
"Many people out there don't have much to give, yet they have done in abundance," he said.
"People and families have been watching this disaster unfold on their screens and have turned up at Foodstock asking what they can do to help.
"Many children have an awareness of what has taken place and are running collections and fundraising in their schools too.
"People just want to do all they can to support and show solidarity with the people of Syria and Turkey. Many lives have been lost now and those who have survived are facing the harshest of winters. They need our help urgently".
Mr Doherty said the team were not putting plans in place "in terms of how we get it there".
"The situation is fluid," he said.
"But we want to act quickly".
