SUPERMARKET shoppers are being asked to put something extra in their basket to help people who find themselves in need this Christmas.
Tesco stores around Rugby are accepting donations of food which will be given to those who need it by Rugby Foodbank.
Volunteers in store will greet customers with a list of items most needed, with shoppers encouraged to pick up items to donate at the end of their shop.
The supermarket, which is holding the collection for the 11th year running, will top up the value of the food donated by the public by 20 per cent, providing additional funds to charities FareShare – which provides meals for vulnerable groups – and the Trussel Trust, which runs the UK’s foodbanks.
FareShare CEO Lindsay Boswell said: “For charities doing their best to feed some of the most vulnerable over the Christmas period, these donations make a huge difference and enable our charity to help more and more people in need.”
Trussell Trust chief executive Emma Revie said: “To make sure we’re prepared for what could be our busiest December yet, our network needs your support. Your generosity will help stop hunger this Christmas.”
The Tesco Food Collection began today (Thursday November 29) and runs until Saturday (December 1).
DONATIONS to help Rugby’s Foodbank keep up with Christmas demand can be left at a new housing development.
A new ‘donation station’ has been set up at The Brambles development on Back Lane in Long Lawford which will take donations until mid-December.
Developer Bloor Homes is encouraging residents to bring non-perishable items including cereal, pasta, rice, coffee/tea and tinned produce, which will be delivered to Rugby Food Bank before Christmas.
Sales Director for Bloor Homes South Midlands, Vanessa Macnee, said: “We are delighted to be able to help the nearby Rugby Foodbank which does such valuable work in the local area.
“The statistics show a sharp increase in the number of families who are relying on the support of food banks. As we approach winter and the festive period we would therefore encourage people to think about those who aren’t as fortunate as they are and donate what they can to help people in need.”
Samantha Stapley, Director of Operations at The Trussell Trust – the charity which runs foodbanks across the UK – said: “For too many people, this Christmas will not be a time of celebration. Every year our network of foodbanks sees a spike in need during December, and what we’re hearing from the frontline suggests this year foodbanks will see just as many, if not more, people referred for help.
“Foodbanks across the Midlands will be working hard to provide not only essential food, but also little extras that offer hope at a time when people need it most. This can only be done with the support of people and businesses in local communities.”
The Bloor Homes donation station will be set up in the marketing suite at The Brambles, where a full list of items which can be donated will also be displayed.
Visit www.bloorhomes.com to see the list.
A FOOD hamper has been donated to Rugby Foodbank by residents, loved ones, friends and staff members at Overslade House care home.
General Manager Violeta Baesu said: “Staff, residents and friends of the home all donated very generously to the hamper and it really is heart-warming to see how much people care about helping others who are less fortunate.
“Thanks to everyone who contributed. It will all be distributed to where it is needed most within our community.”
An Overslade House resident added: “It felt really rewarding to be able to donate these items to those in need. The donations were weighed and came to a grand total of 36kg of food.”
