FOOTBALL fans are being asked to help the needy at Christmas by donating to a foodbank.

Guiseley AFC will be holding collections for Otley Food Bank at home games on December 13 and 20.

With the Lions set to host Chorley in the FA Trophy and Leamington in the Vanarama Conference North at Nethermoor on consecutive weeks, the club’s Community Foundation has helped organise collections that will take places on both match days.

The club is asking for donations of food from fans and members of the local community.

Organisers are also welcoming help from anyone who wants to get involved on the day.

Collection points will be available within the ground on both days for those able to help.

In particular, the following foods and goods are required: tea, coffee, tinned fruit, vegetables, tinned potatoes, biscuits, toilet paper, toothbrushes, toothpaste, long-life milk, fruit juice and cereals.

Guiseley Club secretary and CEO Adie Towers said: “As a local community-focused football club, we’re always on the lookout for worthy and valuable causes in the region.

“Our Community Foundation do great work in helping people and charitable organisations, so we hope these collections can continue to make a difference in Guiseley and the surrounding areas.”

Otley Food Bank helps individuals, couples and families in the local area who do not have enough money to buy food – in many cases due to unexpected expenses on a low income, reductions in benefits or delays in their payment, family break up or job loss.

Victims of violence and theft or the self employed that have problems getting paid can also find themselves in dire straits.

The Food Bank provides emergency parcels of a three days supply of food, normally up to three times in a crisis with people gaining food through partner agencies such as the Citizens Advice Bureau, Otley Children’s Centre, Leeds City Council One Stop centres, Otley Action for Older People, social workers, district nurses, health visitors, schools, GPs and local churches.

Otley Food Bank is a partnership with Churches Together in Otley and the wider community.