SAINSBURY’S and Argos Whitchurch colleagues will be helping to sort and pack donations at the foodbank for their 150-day project.

The initiative is a part of the supermarket’s 150th birthday celebrations, which includes 150 days of volunteering across the country that aims to demonstrate the company’s commitment to local areas.

The store has chosen to continue its relationship with the town’s foodbank, with manager Julie Hatton believing it is a cause worth supporting.

“We’re really excited to be helping a local cause so close to our hearts,” she said.

“It’s a great way for our colleagues to come together and support the community.

“It’s so important for us to give back to our community and what better time than in our 150th year.”

Alan Scutt, chair of trustees of Whitchurch Foodbank, said: “We are delighted that Sainsbury’s have chosen the foodbank to partner with during their 150-year celebrations by offering 150 hours of staff time to volunteer at our foodbank.

“Since they first agreed to have a collection bin in front of their store in London Road, we have had an excellent relationship with the local Sainsbury’s store and its staff.

“The collection bin commenced its life in the store July 2014 and to date over 9.6 tonnes of food has been donated through this store.

“Whitchurch Sainsbury’s already has a very close relationship with the foodbank and this will be strengthened even more when the colleagues go to volunteer their time to help with processing the donated food, packing and storing items ready to go into the food parcels used by those in need.”

Sainsbury’s has a long history of supporting the local community, from charity fundraising and events to donating to causes close to the hearts of its 185,000 colleagues.

Thousands of colleagues across the UK are participating in the nationwide campaign, which includes supporting causes as diverse as local youth groups, elderly care homes, sports teams, community gardens and even bunny sanctuaries.

A Sainsbury’s spokesperson said: “In this landmark year, we want to give back to the communities we have been a part of for a century and half and bring them into the celebrations.

“The diversity of causes that our colleagues care about just goes to show the values that run through our business – and we’re looking forward to seeing the impact these 150 days has on the people we care about.”