A CALL for volunteers has been put out by Tesco and its partner charities to help struggling families this Christmas.

The supermarket is asking for local volunteers to hand out shopping lists to customers so they can see the items needed by foodbanks in their area.

It will then run collection points at Tesco stores across Swindon for the first weekend of December, starting on Thursday November 29.

Tesco will top up customer donations by 20 per cent to help food charities Fare Share and The Trussel Trust who are have helped run the Tesco Food Collection since 2012.

Emma Revie, chief executive of The Trussell Trust said: “Foodbanks across the country will be doing all they can to provide emergency support so people don’t go hungry this Christmas, but to make sure everyone referred receives vital help our network needs your support. The more people volunteering with foodbanks at the Tesco Food Collection, the more food will be collected from generous shoppers, and the better prepared foodbanks will be for their busiest time of year.”

Lindsay Boswell, FareShare CEO said: “Volunteers collect an average of 600 meals per three-hour shift, so we really can’t overestimate how important their contribution is.

"If you can spare a few hours to volunteer in your local store please do, and please encourage your friends, family and colleagues to get involved as well. You’ll be making an enormous difference.”