Central England Co-op has urged customers to “dig deep and donate” when its Christmas Food Bank Appeal begins next Wednesday.

Having collected 45,000 items from last year’s campaign, the retailer plans to help people hit by the pandemic and “rising cost of living”.

It has set up collection points in over 260 stores across 16 counties, from West Yorkshire down to East Anglia.

Shoppers are encouraged to donate, alongside long-life staples, treats such as chocolate to “spread a little festive cheer”.

READ MORE: Central England Co-op sales down after lockdown peak

“Over the past few years, the appeal has supported our food bank partners to create and provide thousands of meals,” corporate responsibility manager Hannah Gallimore said.

“Sadly this year that need has only grown as the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and the cost of living crisis hits people across our communities.

“All we are asking is for people, if they can, to drop off one or more items into our food bank collection points this Christmas and help make a real difference.”

The Christmas Food Bank will run from December 1 to December 31.

Items that can be donated range from shopping essentials like tea, sugar and cereals, to toiletries and hygiene products.

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