ADDING to the growing list of retailers supporting Launceston Foodbank, the local Poundland store has become the newest official donation site.

Collection baskets have been placed by the tills and members of the public can drop off donations or hand them to a member of staff.

The foodbank provides Poundland and other essential retailers open at this time with a list of the essentials they are running short of weekly and this is displayed in store.

Jamie Goodwin, store manager for Poundland in Launceston, said the store has tried to support a number of local organisations throughout the pandemic and is delighted to add the foodbank to that list. He said: “Throughout the coronavirus pandemic, we’ve supported a number of local charities including the Launceston Lions Club and local hospitals and care homes within the area and we feel that supporting the Launceston Foodbank at the heart of the local community will provide those in need of basic food, toiletries and household products the opportunity to do so.

“The team at the foodbank do a fantastic job as always, especially throughout the last 12 months where circumstances for many have changed and we are privileged and honoured to be able to support this fantastic charity.

“To donate, there is a basket by the checkouts in the store, you can simply place your donations into there, or hand them over to a member of staff.

“As an essential retailer, we also remain trading throughout the lockdown periods to ensure that the Launceston community are able to purchase the essentials that they require.”

Launceston Foodbank manager Yvonne King thanked the Poundland team and the wider community for the support the foodbank has received during such a critical time. She said: “We are delighted that Poundland Launceston is now an official collecting point for Launceston Foodbank; this point adds to the other sites we have in Launceston and enables the community a choice of which site is convenient for them to drop off their donations.

“Our work with people in crisis has never been more important and the generosity of our community has been particularly amazing during these difficult times.

“Our thanks to Jamie and his team for their kind and friendly approach to Launceston Foodbank.”