TESCO delivery drivers in Grays have stepped up to spread some festive magic by donating toys to local families in need this Christmas.

The drivers from the Tesco Lakeside Extra store donated four full trollies of toys, which they purchased over the last three months, to the Community Clothing charity, located at Gateway Peoples Centre.

Community Clothing is dedicated to supporting vulnerable families and individuals through clothing and essential items.

Rebecca Moloney and Jacqui Trott, volunteer managers from Community Clothing, joined other volunteers to collect the toys on 9 December. The timing ensured that as many delivery drivers as possible could attend to drop off their donations and help the volunteers with the collection.

Rebecca said: "We are deeply touched by the generosity of the Tesco delivery drivers. These toys will make such a difference to the children we support, spreading joy and hope at a time when it's most needed." 

Steve Stains, Regan Harvey, Richard Archer, Amit Sarmotta Tesco Store Manager, Rebecca Moloney Community Clothing Volunteer Manager, Jacqui Trott Community Clothing Volunteer Manager, Lee Pate, Maryann Gore Tesco Driver Manager, Peter Brown, Angela Mitchell Tesco Community Champion.

Angela Mitchell, Tesco Lakeside's Community Champion, added: "The drivers' donations were entirely their own, a testament to their generosity and thoughtfulness. They've gone above and beyond to support families who might otherwise struggle this Christmas. It's been incredible to witness, and I'm so proud of their efforts." 

Lakeside shoppers can help to support their community by using the Tesco Stronger Starts scheme and dropping the Tesco community token they receive at checkout into the relevant voting box as they leave the store.

More information about Stronger Starts is available at https://tescostrongerstarts.org.uk/.