VOLUNTEERS at Swindon Food Collective were overwhelmed by the generosity of students who collected more than £500 in cash and boxes full of food.

The hand over from youngsters at Swindon College came as the foodbank reported a huge increase in the number of donations – more were made this year than at any previous Christmasses.

Manager Cher Smith said: “The build up to Christmas has been frantic, we’ll be there early in the morning until the evening. But the donations will see us through until Easter I think.”

This year the collective has seen around 7,000 tonnes of food donated – 2,000 more than last year.

Cher said: “It’s been busier than other years but I think that’s because the word is getting out there that we needed more food.”

She paid tribute to the students at the college who collected all the food and took part in a raffle to raise the cash. Around 15 boxes were filled with supplies like cereals, pasta, tinned food and rice.

The college has partnered with the foodbank and for some students the appeal has a bigger significance than for others.

“They are our referring agents sometimes there are students with families that need us. This is a great way for the staff and their peer groups to support them anonymously,” explained Cher.

A front of house lecturer, Faith Marles, wanted to help teach the students the importance of giving particularly around Christmas time.

“I think a lot of them appreciate that living in Swindon that things can be difficult. It’s extremely important, there’s so many people out there struggling and anything we can do to help is great. Certainly over Christmas time, but all year round too,” she said.

Paul Kelly is a chef lecturer at the college and helped the students to raise the money.

He told the Adver: “It makes them aware so it’s good for the students too, they are the next generation and they could be the ones to help fix the problem.

“All we can do it maintain awareness and to try and help where we can.”

The food collective is closed for the Christmas period but is due to reopen for business again on January 2.