This Christmas, we at Worcester City FC are aiming to support those most in need in our local community by organising collections for both Worcester Foodbank, to give much needed supplies to families and those who find Christmas an especially tough time of year, and the children at Worcester Royal Hospital, who deserve all of our support over the festive period.

The football club have historically supported the hospital with gifts for their children's ward over Christmas time, but with the rising cost of living meaning that families and individuals are struggling with putting enough food on the table, as a club we have decided to try and support as many people as we can across both efforts this year.

We are calling on our supporters, staff and board, and volunteers to do what they can this year and support our efforts by donating whatever they can to those in need across Worcester, and would be happy to accept donations now and over the Christmas period.

At our home fixtures this month against Boston Town (9th) and Cheltenham Saracens (19th) we will be happy to accept donations of both food and presents for both the Foodbank and Worcester Royal, and will have collection stations set-up in the clubhouse at Claines Lane. Regardless of whether the FA Vase fixture goes ahead on Saturday, we will communicate timings in which supporters will be able to donate either food or gifts with staff and volunteers present to accept these.

We will also be happy to accept food donations for our fixtures across the Christmas period on 23rd, 26th and 30th December, and 1st January matches, for further donations to the Foodbank.

For anyone interested in donating, please see the below guidelines for what is required:

Christmas Present Donations to Worcester Royal Hospital (9th & 19th December):

We are only able to accept new gifts that are still boxed, and unfortunately won't be able to accept used toys. Toys for boys and girls of all ages are welcomed.

Food Donations to Worcester Foodbank (9th, 19th, 23rd, 26th, 30th December & 1st January):

Please can you ensure that food is in date when donated. Worcester Foodbank can accept baby food but not baby formula due to Trussell Trust & UNICEF guidelines. The items urgently needed are:

Supermarket gift cards
Cereal
Tinned potatoes
Tinned vegetables
Tinned fruit
Tinned rice pudding
Tinned custard
Tinned meat and fish
Mug shots
Noodle pots
Treats and crisps
Long-life fruit juice
Long-life milk
Cream crackers
Wet and dry dog food
Mixed herbs
Sugar
Cooking oil
Tomato puree
Packet seasoning
Tomato/brown sauce
Salt and pepper
Hot chocolate
Instant coffee
Tea bags
Small bottles of washing up liquid
Deodorant
Anti-bac spray
Adult toothbrushes (single)
Shampoo
Hair conditioner
Toilet roll
Tampons
Soap
Shaving foam/gel
Nappies - sizes 5, 6 and 7

For any individuals or businesses wishing to make donations that can't make any of our fixtures over December, please contact our Commercial Manager Ryan Molloy who will be happy to liaise with you on times that items can be dropped off at the club.

All at WCFC would like to thank our supporters and volunteers for their generosity and hope that we can in some small way help to make Christmas a little easier and better for those in need in our local community.