OXFAM stores in Oxfordshire are asking customers to take part in a Gift Aid scheme, which could earn the charity an extra £2m over three years.

The charity’s book shop in St Giles, Oxford, is taking part in the scheme, which allows charities to claim 28 per cent back from the Inland Revenue on cash raised from donations.

Oxfam bookshops in Turl Street and Thame are also taking part, along with the London Road shop in Headington.

The Cowley-based charity hopes all Oxfam stores nationwide will be taking part by February next year.

Nihal Alahendra, manager of the St Giles shop, said: “When someone brings in a donation, we ask them to sign a Gift Aid donation form.

“We then give their donation a number and corresponding bar codes are placed on the items so they can be followed through the till.

“At the moment, the scheme is being piloted in about 14 stores but it is expected to be rolled out nationwide because the benefits are obvious.

“We launched this in Oxfam St Giles three weeks ago and it is already proving a success. I think Gift Aid is increasing loyalty from customers and attracting repeat donations.”

According to Oxfam, a large bag of good-quality items can raise £30 when sold in an Oxfam shop.

If that £30 was raised from a Gift Aid donation, the charity would make another £8.46 in reclaimed tax.

That amount would pay for more than 140 school dinners for children in Brazil.

Earlier this month, it emerged that the recession meant fewer people were making donations.