Almost a tradition, Dundee United is again hosting a foodbank collection this year in the run-up to Christmas. A time of plenty for most, the festive season often is a particularly difficult period for people in our community for whom foodbanks are the last resort.

The campaign is once again carried by the Club and its Community Trust as well as by ArabTRUST, Taught by Muhammad and Dundee Foodbank.

While the collection centres around Tannadice on the day of its Christmas home fixture versus Falkirk on 22 December, there are additional drop off opportunities available in the run-up to the game courtesy of Club 83, the Snug Bar and the Balmore Bar. All three will accept donations on the Thursday and Friday before the game between 5pm and 11pm and on the Saturday from 11am.

United defender Freddy Frans, who is backing the campaign and together with his wife and son visited the foodbank warehouse in the Dryburgh Estate, said: "I am proud to support and promote this venture. Since coming to Dundee, I have felt the warmth of the local community, and I know that the fans of Dundee United will give generously to this appeal.

"Football is a fantastic way to bring people together, and at Dundee United, we are only too happy to do our bit to make the festive period that little bit easier for those in need within our community."

Rizwan Rafik, Operations Manager at Taught by Muhammad, stated: "This time of year many people have to choose between heating and eating. It's great to see everyone working together regardless of their faith, background and race to help those in need within our community".

Michael Calder, Stock Coordinator of Dundee Foodbank, added: "We're very grateful to Dundee United for their continued support. For the second year running, we face the added pressure of Universal Credit - since the new system kicked in, Dundee Foodbank has seen a marked increase in referrals putting a great demand on our stock levels."

Susan Batten, ArabTRUST Chair said: "At this time of year when many families are struggling to cope, ArabTRUST are happy to be able to play a small part in trying to help. All we ask is that as many people as possible bring something along to support those in real need in our community."

Echoing the above, Jamie Kirk, Head of Operations at the Dundee United Community Trust declared: "I'm delighted that Dundee United Community Trust is supporting such a worthwhile initiative again. There's a strong track record of the United Family pulling together for the good of the community, and I'm sure this will be no different. A big thank you also to the Snug and Balmore Bars for supporting the appeal this year for the first time along with Club 83."

Items to donate -

Breakfast Cereal / UHT Milk / Coffee / Tea / Sugar

Tinned meat / vegetables / fruit / soups / fish / puddings /

Dried Pasta / Pasta Sauce

Biscuits / Treats for Kids

Toiletries - shampoo, soap and shower gel/sanitary products

Money - there will be donation buckets at the Tannadice food collection points and within the concourses on the day of the game.