Stanley spread
ACCRINGTON Stanley hosted two successful food bank drop-off points at last weekend’s game against Portsmouth in aid of Maundy Relief.
Both Stanley and Pompey fans came with bags of food to be donated, with the Reds’ first team squad also donating food to the cause.
Maundy relief, based in Accrington town centre, helps out with furniture, household goods and food, and counselling for those in mental distress.
Manager Lucy Hardwick said: “Maundy Relief’s food banks have supported over 2,000 families and individuals this year, including increasing numbers of working families with young children and older people.
“Recently our cupboards have been bare as we struggle to keep up with demand.
“The response to the Accrington Stanley food appeal was unbelievable, local people have stepped up to provide enough food to take us well into next year and we are very grateful.”
Murray Dawson, from Scott Dawson Advertising, said the feedback on the day was ‘overwhelming’.
He said: “Some people came in their cars to drop off food who weren’t even going to the match.
“Others gave a single tin and we knew it was a big ask of people in hard times, so we really appreciated every single donation!
“I didn’t realise how heavy the full boxes would be and we filled the van and delivered at 3pm to Maundy, who were as grateful for the Wham boxes as they were for the food, as they keep clothes dry when they store for their charity needs, so all in all a great cause supported by all.”
Daniel Bowerbank, Stanley’s commercial manager, said the community event was ‘another huge success for us as a club’.
He said: “Maundy are grateful for all the donations from both Accrington and Portsmouth fans who dropped off food at the weekend’s game.
“Our main stand sponsors HML Recycling also donated our largest ever one off donation of a full pallet of food towards the appeal, along with our first team players and management also bringing tins and bags prior to the game.
“We would like to thank everyone who has supported our latest community initiative.”
Accrington Stanley’s squad also paid a visit to Royal Blackburn Hospital to spread a bit of Christmas cheer and deliver presents to children.