Accrington Stanley, the Official Accrington Stanley Supporters' Trust (OASST) and Amazing Accrington have once again launched plans to collect food supplies in aid of local charity Maundy Relief.
This year there will be four locations for people to donate to the food bank including the OASST shop in Accrington Market, the Accrington Stanley Community Trust, Maundy Relief on Abbey Street and at Stanley's next home game on Saturday 23rd October.
Amazing Accrington and the OASST will be doing a collection between 12-3pm when Portsmouth visit the Wham Stadium and are encouraging supporters from both clubs to bring along donations to the food bank on the day, however big or small.
Maundy Relief are known in the Hyndburn community for being a frontline response team who immediately help anyone in need. Their services are open to all and include help with physical, mental and emotional health.
Stanley assistant manager Jimmy Bell commented: "It's great to see the people of Accrington coming together every year to donate to the food bank. We love going along and donating ourselves as a squad and we encourage you to give anything you can."
Actress and patron of Maundy Relief Julie Hesmondhalgh said: "Christmas can be a difficult time for a lot of families and your donations, however big or small, will make a big difference to someone in Accrington and the local area. Whatever you bring along will be massively appreciated and with four drop off spots, it is easier than ever to get involved."
Maundy Relief manager Lucy Hardwick said: "The donations will be a massive help this year, with community donations really dropping since the start of the pandemic. People have a lot on their minds and I think some of those donating habits have been disrupted."
Amazing Accrington chairman Murray Dawson commented: "We are calling for all Amazing Accrington businesses to do their bit and support this appeal for a local charity that does so much for other people. We head up the #AmazingAccrington initiative which is all about giving our community the boost it deserves. We are incredibly proud to be a part of this and we hope you will be too."
HML Recycling managing director Stuart Rogan added: "We love getting involved with the Stanley food bank appeal. In 2019 we donated a full pallet of beans, whilst last year we brought along a full van of food and toys. Anything you can donate makes a huge difference."