SPAR Scotland is one of the businesses that has teamed up with the Glasgow Times to support our Bank on Us campaign.

Now in its fifth year, Bank on Us seeks to help families in need this Christmas with our festive food bank drive and our toy appeal.

Paula Middleton, head of marketing at Spar Scotland, said: "Our favourite thing about this campaign is that it’s all about giving back and helping people who need it the most.  

"There seems to be an increase in people’s reliance on food banks in the current climate and this is our way of helping."

The family-owned retailer has pledged £3000 to help with our campaign.

Paula said: "This is such a worthy cause, why would SPAR Scotland not want to support it?

"With over 300 stores right across Scotland, our customers are our neighbours with our staff working and living in the communities where our stores are based.  

"Supporting communities across Scotland sits right at the heart of everything we do. 

"Being involved with this initiative allows us to offer much-needed support to people who may be experiencing difficult times."

Glasgow Times:

She added: "As a family-owned, truly Scottish business, the customer sits right at the heart of our company values.

"We view our customers as our neighbours and it’s one of our key pillars to nurture the neighbourhoods where our stores sit."

This year, Spar Scotland has donated £165,000 to almost 300 charities, groups and organisations nationwide.

The Scottish Government's child poverty statistics for Glasgow show that around 260,000 children in Scotland are living in relative poverty.

The Bank on Us Toy Appeal is calling on Glaswegians to donate toys to youngsters throughout the city and take pressure off the hard-working mums, dads and guardians who are facing an uncertain festive period due to the continuing cost of living crisis.

Further, our festive food bank appeal is calling on our readers to fill up a paper bag included in our November 15 edition and take it to a local food bank.

To donate, click here.