The Blades ask fans to donate to Foodbank collection to help feed struggling families this Christmas

3rd December 2018

The Blades are asking supporters to donate items for a local Foodbank in a week-long initiative to help people in need at Christmas.

Sheffield United players, coaches and football management are all behind the project, encouraging fans to support the S2 Foodbank, based close to the club's Bramall Lane stadium. From December 10 and culminating with the home game against West Bromwich Albion on Friday night, December 14, fans are urged to provide donations of food for local people who have little or no income and assist those in the S2 postcode who have ongoing needs. Sheffield United Operations Director Dave McCarthy said: ''Many of us are now busy preparing for Christmas and all its festivities and indulgences, but spare a thought for thousands of people in our community who are filled with dread, wondering how they will manage to put food on the table this Christmas or provide presents for their children and loved ones let alone keep the gas and electricity running. -Foodbanks are under huge demand at this time of year, so every donation, be it food or cash, really does help. "Everyone should be able to enjoy Christmas and it's the little things that can really make a difference to individuals and families who would otherwise struggle to make ends meet. ''As well as the food, Foodbanks are trying to provide more holistic support and as such, need funds and donations to achieve both. We are encouraging Blades fans to try and make a donation it could be any kind of food, though items that are traditionally bought at Xmas , be it a Christmas pudding, a selection box, maybe a children's toy or teenage toiletry gift set would be great, added Dave. "Between Monday (10th Dec) and Friday (14th fans ) food donations can be left at Bramall Lane between 9am & 5pm at the Main Reception or at the Club store. "Alternatively, fans can bring food or a cash donation on the night of the WBA game (14th Dec) and hand it in at one of the collection points - Cherry St Car Park, the Club store, outside the Cherry Street Main Entrance, outside John St Executive Entrance and the Blades Family Hub (Old Community Hall) near the kop turnstiles on John Street. "Also, there will also be various collectors positioned around the stadium.'' A bucket collection on the night of the WBA match will take place, so supporters are asked to donate loose change. Both the club's men's and women's first teams are getting behind the scheme and some will be visiting to the S2 Foodbank to speak to volunteers and see how the food is distributed. Sue Rose, from the S2 Foodbank said: -I would like to say a big thank you to the Blades, supporters, players, and management. -Thirteen million people live below the poverty line in the UK, with individuals going hungry every day for a range of reasons, from benefit delays, redundancy to receiving an unexpected bill or on a low income. "Here at the S2 Food bank we provide four weeks of emergency food, It costs £2,500 a month to support more than 450 people who rely on the S2 Food Bank, and that demand is growing at an alarming rate. Sheffield United's initiative will help us sustain this vital emergency support. Sue provided a quote from one of the S2 users: -Coming to the foodbank was a great relief and nobody judges anybody Care worker, Donna, a 44-year-old and mother of three, saw her life turned upside down when she was hospitalised after suffering from a mini stroke. "Forced to stop working and not being eligible for sick pay, she turned to the food bank for support to feed the kids. "So, we are nearing Christmas and we are going to need more than just food, if people are unable to afford the food they need, then their children are going to go without presents too. The foodbank, is part of a network across the city, the Food bank is located at St Swithun's Church, Cary Rd, Manor and Salvation Army Duke Street , Manor Sheffield .

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