A West Island food bank is asking for the public's help to replace its food collection truck, which literally fell apart two weeks ago.

Extended Hands is the largest food bank in Lachine and provides food to about 400 people.

Two weeks ago, the truck it uses to collect food donations fell apart, losing both of its rear wheels on Highway 42. Then, when the truck was being towed away, the front axle fell off.

The food bank has since been using a rental truck, but the expense has tripled the organization's weekly operating costs.

"No truck. No food. No food bank. That's basically it in a nutshell," said Extended Hands coordinator Tara Lee Gooding.

Food bank volunteer Evon Smith was driving the truck when it broke down. He said without it, the organization will miss out on last minute donations.

"Having our own truck gives us the liberty to freely move at any given time to pick up food," he said.

The group is asking for volunteers and cash donations. They are considering buying a truck on monthly payments, but are hoping someone might donate a truck instead.

"This is a very important thing we're doing. Without the truck we can't continue," Gooding said.