Pets In Need Herts is appealing for businesses in Hemel Hempstead to act as collection points

A food bank for people and pets is hoping to expand into Hemel Hempstead as it tries to keep up with a surge in demand for its services.

Pets In Need Herts, a food bank and rehoming organisation, has installed ‘dump bins’ for residents to donate human and dog and cat food elsewhere in Hertfordshire – but is wanting to establish sites in Dacorum.

A spokesperson for Pets In Need Herts said: “We’ve had a few families in Hemel now ask us for help and we just don’t have enough donations to go around. Hence why we need more public support and raising awareness of who we are and what we do.”

They added: “The more drop-off locations we have set up, the more people we can help and the more we can spread awareness of our cause.”

The organisation has secured dump bins in locations and businesses such as convenience shops and local vets but are also needing help to find a storage unit and premises.

Pets In Need Herts added: “We are keen to gain new volunteers and much-needed donations, grants and funds for a new work van and storage unit.

It added: “We have locations set up already, but we need some more in each area.”

The organisation is asking for donations to be dropped off at Co-op on London Road, Budgens at The Quadrant, Tesco on Hatfield Road in St Albans, Gilly Pet Supplies in Cole Green and Happy Hounds Herts in Hertford.

If you can help Pets In Need Herts to provide dump bins to give essential items to humans and animals, get in touch here.