Accrington Stanley launches food bank collection for Maundy Relief

Accrington Stanley Football Club, The Official Accrington Stanley Supporters Trust (OASST) and Amazing Accrington business leaders have once again launched plans to collect food supplies in aid of local charity Maundy Relief.

There are locations for people to donate to the food bank which include the new Official Accrington Stanley Supporters Trust shop in Accrington Arndale, Maundy Relief on Abbey Street, and the biggest collection point will be at Stanley's home game on Saturday 9th December.

The OASST will be hosting a collection between 12-3pm when Doncaster Rovers 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 is well known in the Hyndburn community for being a frontline response team which immediately helps anyone in need. Its 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. All we ask is that you give what you can, every item is a big help."

Maundy Relief manager Lucy Hardwick, said: "Over the years the people of Hyndburn have been extremely generous in donating to the food bank appeal. It's hard to put into words what these donations mean to us and people in the local area and anything you can give will be massively appreciated by families across the borough this Christmas."

Amazing Accrington chair 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."

Peter Leatham, chairman of the OASST, said: "Call in and see us at our new shop in the Arndale, or if you're at the match or just passing by the Wham Stadium. Let's show that Stanley spirit and help each other - please bring whatever you can spare."

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