CLARKSTON Colts are delighted to launch our first foodbank drive - as we bid to give back to the community.
The Colts are hoping to help others in Lanarkshire this year by collecting items in the run-up to Christmas.
We will then donate these to the team at the Airdrie Foodbank, who will ensure they go to support people in Monklands during the festive season.
Coach Jack Haugh said: “This is about doing what we can and using the fortunate platform we have to help others.
“It’s well-known this has been a difficult year for so many and it’s likely this will mean demand will rise at foodbanks across the country.
Coaches Jack Haugh and Ashley Neil were joined by 2009s player Alicia McLean and Kevin Thompson, of the 2007s, to launch our campaign
“No one should go hungry in 2020 and it’s a scandal that some can’t afford to to put food on the table.
“This is why we decided as a club to come together and launch our new drive. If we can help even one family this Christmas, we will have achieved our goal.”
In Airdrie, it's estimated around 50 people every week are relying on the town's foodbank and, according to the Trussell Trust, there was a near 50% increase in demand across the UK between April and September of this year.
That’s why The Colts are asking our players, coaches, and parents to bring along items each week from Monday, November 16, until Christmas.
These will then be handed over to our 2009s coach Ashley Neil, who volunteers with Airdrie Foodbank and knows how important its work is.
Jack added: “We want to be clear there will be no pressure on anyone to contribute and there will be plenty of discretion with how donations are accepted.
“The hope now is we will be able to support the foodbank all year round and we will be looking for other causes who we can help, too.”
Ashley said: “The foodbank does extraordinary work in the local area.
“The generosity of the community blows me away, not only with donations but the people who give up their time to support this cause.
“It's so heartwarming and I'm delighted the club are helping to support such a worthy cause in the local community.
“I think it's so important to continue this work especially during these difficult and uncertain times.”
These are the items we are asking those associated with the Colts to donate:
Jars of sauce
Tinned fruit
Custard and rice
Pudding
Tinned fish
Tinned vegetables
Biscuits/sweets/crisps
Toiletries
If you’d like more information on the drive, email clarkstoncolts@gmail.com or visit our social media channels.
If you are a charity or group in Monklands who would like to discuss linking up with us, you can also get in touch on our email or social media.