Bread, pasta, coffee, tea and toiletries are just some of the basics that food banks provide to those who are in most need.

Gravesham Foodbank, which is run by The Redeemed Christian Church Of God Life Start Connections, in St Clements Close, Northfleet, is an essential lifeline that gives items to the vulnerable and those in poverty.

Set up five years ago in 2012, the charity – whose main base is at the Riverside Community Centre, Dickens Road, Gravesend –is after more donations, whether they be food or financial, to help cope with the rising number of people using the services.

One of those pledging long-term help is Kimberly Clark, a Northfleet-based company which makes Andrex toilet roll, and has pledged to donate 240 rolls a month.

The firm came up with the offer after volunteer Mary Smith, who has been at the foodbank since it began, asked the company for donations.

David Idowu, Gravesham Foodbank’s project manager, said: “We make sure people who are in need get the food, not just anyone.

“We are very encouraged that Kimberly Clark is willing to support us.

“We wish many other companies would follow them.

“Little drops make a mighty ocean. The harsh economic reality is open to every one of us.

“Daily we can see what is going on around us. We all know that the government is struggling to cope.

“We can see an increased use of food banks. It is not just us but nationally.

“I don’t know the figures but we can see an increase on a daily basis.

“We are stretched. Sometimes we find it difficult to find volunteers to cover shifts.

“At the moment, funding is an issue.

“We want more people to donate.

“We have got a lot of donations food-wise, but we don’t get enough support on other levels.”

James Hood, from Kimberly Clark, said: “It’s something within our own community and we think it is a really worthwhile cause.

“Toilet roll is something that they need. It is a product which is not normally donated.”

Want to help? To donate products to Gravesham Foodbank contact David Idowu on 07940089643.