THE manager at new store Jack's is inviting customers to take part in two programmes that will help community groups in the borough.

The former Tesco at Four Acre, which was the third Jack's store to open in the country earlier this month, plans to donate the proceeds of the sale of carrier bags to a local community group every three months, chosen by customers.

The winning group is guaranteed a minimum of £500 and each participating group also receives £250 at the beginning of the vote to celebrate their nomination to the scheme.

In St Helens voting is currently taking place between AEDdonate St Helens, TLG St Helens, Age UK Mid Mersey and the St Helens Youth Theatre.

Customers are invited to vote for the charity they would like to see win the funding using the voting buttons at the exit of the store.

Applications for the next round can be made online at jacks-uk.com/jacks-supports and will open at the end of October.

Jack’s is also helping to stop good food going to waste by running the Community Food Connection scheme by working with UK food redistribution charity FareShare colleagues ensure any unsold food safe for human consumption is offered to local charities and community groups. Jack’s are looking for more groups to sign up to receive the food.

Kate Forth, Jack’s Area Manager, wants to encourage groups to sign up: “Our Community Food Connection is looking for more groups to benefit from surplus food donations so please get in touch with me at the store if we can support you.

Jack’s Supports is also looking for applications for the next voting period, so please do find out more online or by asking a Jack’s colleague.”

More on the St Helens charities:

AEDdonate is a charity providing defibrillators, maintenance & CPR training within local communities. The funding will allow AEDdonate to support current defibrillators and raise awareness within St Helens, ultimately saving lives.

TLG in St Helen's provides children living in poverty with hot healthy meals and a range of activities such as cooking, craft and games. They reach out with love to your community.

Age UK Mid Mersey has been active in St Helens for 40+ years, promoting an improved quality of life and empowerment for older people & their carers. Supporting older people to love later life!

The new St Helens Youth Theatre at the Citadel Arts Centre was created to transform the lives of local young people through drama and performance, helping them to feel happier and more confident.