FOODBANK HITS is calling for second home owners to donate the extra energy rebate to the charity to help families struggling with the cost of living crisis.

Chairman David Cox said: ‘Every homeowner is set to start receiving a £400 energy rebate from October as part of the energy bills support scheme.

‘Those with empty second holiday homes will receive the rebate twice.

‘HITS is urging second homeowners to donate part or all of their rebate to support HITS help families struggling to pay fuel bills this winter.’

Trustee Trish Kirkby said: ‘We are seeing more demand for our services and most of our clients are in some form of employment, we are working with other voluntary and community group to help families through, what is looking like a bleak winter.’

The charity is now delivering 250 home packs, including food, every week to those in need.

Demand for its help has been rising over the last few years and is continuing to go up.

While the charity is fortunate to have volunteers and plentiful supplies of food and cash donations, its costs are rising, particularly fuel prices.

Up to 20 per cent of its donations come from local suppliers including Shaldon Bakery and Westaways sausage company.

Mr Cox said: ‘We are a sticking plaster not a solution.

‘We have working families needing help.

‘Work was always felt to be a way out of poverty but we have people with jobs who still can’t make ends meet and they are not buying luxuries. It is worrying.’

Anyone wanting to donate can go to https://www.totalgiving.co.uk/donate/homeless-in-teignbridge-support