VOLUNTEERS who gave up time to accept donations for foodbanks were wowed by the genorosity of shoppers.

Visitors to Asda at Lower Audley Retail Park, Blackburn, were handed a list of long-life, cheap and staple food items as they entered the store.

And shoppers in Burnley were able to hand over goods at the supermarket giant’s Burnley branch.

They were asked to pick up one or more item during their visit and to drop it off on their way out to help hungry families survive.

Council worker Heather White gave up her morning to explain to customers why their help was needed.

She said: “I look after a foodbank at the council too. I’m only here for two hours which is nothing at all. It’s a very good cause because there are so many hungry people now.

“It’s by the good grace of God I’m able to work and not being able to afford food could happen to any of us.

“There are a lot of generous people here which is really good.”

Kind-hearted 66-year-old, Len Anderson approached the volunteers and emptied his trolley, leaving one small bag for himself.

Mr Anderson, who lives in sheltered accomodation in Shadsworth, said: “It touches me when I see the plight of some people in the news. The government is taking the bedroom tax and making people pay more and it affects them – it’s even affected my sister.

“I was lucky enough to work and have a double pension so I’m just glad to do it.

“I bought things like long-life milk, sweets for kids, pasta, rice and tinned stuff like beans and spaghetti. It would be nice if food banks were a regular occurrence.”

Asda store manager Paul Wilcox said: “It’s been really well received. We’re tied up to work with it until Christmas. We’re really happy to support the foodbank. It’s something that is very close to everybody’s heart.

“We’re looking to run it every three weekends.”

The Lancashire Telegraph is urging people across the area to support foodbanks.

The campaign is to ensure children do not go hungry this summer because their families cannot afford food and they aren’t able to get their usual free school meals.

Collections are planned at Asda in Rawtenstall on August 17 and 18.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

We are asking readers to donate food to help our campaign. There are many foodbanks across Lancashire and all need non-perishable, in-date food.

  • Blackburn Foodbank: Take your food donations to the Distribution Centre, Unit 5, Brunswick Street, on Monday, Wednesday, Friday from 11am to 2pm. Or call 07594 215356 to arrange for donations to be collected.
  • Clitheroe Foodbank: There are collection baskets in Skipton Building Society, Natwest and Barclays Bank, all Clitheroe churches and Clitheroe Mount. Or drop off donations at Trinity Methodist Church, Parson Lane, Clitheroe, on Monday, Wednesday and Friday 11am to 1.30pm.
  • Community Solutions Foodbank: St James’ Old School, Cannon Street, Accrington, or call 01254 352591 to arrange a drop-off in Burnley.
  • Darwen Food Larder: The Food Larder has collection points in town and local churches or drop off donations at the Darwen Community Furniture Project, Unit F, Watery Lane Works, Darwen, from 9am to 5pm.
  • The Raft Foundation: Drop off in many Rossendale shops, Haslingden Tesco, churches and schools. To arrange to drop off non-perishable donations or to give money for fresh food, go to www.raftfoundation.org, or email info@raftfoundation.org
  • St Philip’s Grassroots Centre in Nelson: open every Monday morning. Call 01282 877640.