GENEROUS shoppers astounded Kinson Community Food Bank volunteers during a two-day donation drive in Poole at the weekend.

Those helping to man the collection point at the Sainsbury’s in Alder Hills were given almost two-and-a-half tonnes of goods in less than 24 hours during the initiative.

They had been told to expect around three-and-a-half tonnes over the course of 12 months.

Mark Pearce, chair of the food bank’s steering committee, said: “We arranged 14 collections over the course of a year at Sainsbury’s, and were told to expect that figure in 12 months.

“We were being a bit optimistic, and thought we’d get that by around August time, but we were absolutely amazed when we were given 2.4 tonnes in just two days. It was astonishing.”

Those doing their weekly shop at the superstore bought tinned and dried products for the appeal, as well as nappies, baby food, shampoo and toothpaste.

Mr Pearce said: “In the end, we discovered around 5,500 items had been donated.

“We would like to thank everyone who contributed, as well as the staff at Sainsbury’s and our volunteers from the congregation at St Andrew’s in Kinson, Urban Ripple and the North Bournemouth Rotary Club.”

“We were visited by some people who had used the food bank previously themselves, and they gave us a whole carrier bag of items,” he said.

“One person brought a whole trolley of food over for us.

“Some of the volunteers collecting the items cried because of how wonderfully generous people were.”

• For more information or to volunteer, visit www.standrewskinson.org or call 01202 570010.