Accrington Stanley food bank collection for Maundy Relief is a success

Accrington Stanley Football Club, The Official Accrington Stanley Supporters Trust (OASST) and Amazing Accrington business leaders have once again collected food bank items and donations in aid of local charity Maundy Relief - and the community stepped up to help.

The OASST hosted a collection when Doncaster Rovers visited the Wham Stadium recently and supporters from both clubs brought piles of donations to the food bank on the day, plus a total of over £800 in donations which is incredibly generous.

There is still time to donate in the run up to Christmas, either physical donations at the new Official Accrington Stanley Supporters Trust shop in Accrington Arndale, or via Paypal - the link is available on their website www.onstanleyon.com. The link will be open until 22nd December, then all monies will be sent to Maundy Relief.

Maundy Relief are well 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.

MD of Accrington Stanley, David Burgess commented: "This is a superb initiative, and we're happy to support it every year. The players always enjoy getting involved, and it's something the Stanley Family can do to support our community."

Patron of Maundy Relief, Julie Hesmondhalgh, said: "Maundy do such a great job for our community and everyone is welcome there if they're in need. Every item is a big help so thank you."

Maundy Relief manager Lucy Hardwick, said: "We're absolutely blown away with this year's response to our appeal - people have been incredibly generous, both with their donations and of course time in helping us to run this. Thanks so much to the community who've pulled together to help."

Peter Leatham, chairman of the OASST, said: "The Stanley spirit has been out in force - and thanks also to the away fans who pitched in. There is still time to donate to the appeal if you can, either by calling into the shop or donating on the website. Thanks so much to all of those who have been able to spare something so far - it means the world to Maundy Relief!"

The items collected will be transported to Maundy Relief and will be used for food parcels that are available to all those in need this Christmas throughout the Hyndburn area.

The most sought after goods include UHT milk, coffee, biscuits, tinned meat/fish, soups, tinned beans and vegetables, as well as pasta, rice and pasta sauce.

For more information about Maundy Relief, visit www.maundyrelief.co.uk