DUNFERMLINE Rubgy Club has teamed up with SHIELD and Dunfermline Foodbank in their efforts to try to help their local community this Christmas.

The club will collect presents for children and older people as well as food and toiletries to bring festive cheer to those in need.

Club captain Stuart Roy said: "Our main focus will be on gathering donations which can be used as Christmas gifts, particularly for teenagers and older people.

"Sadly, there are many older people within our local community who have experienced a great deal of isolation and loneliness due to the pandemic, and the festive period is often a time when older people are faced with increased periods of isolation.

“Nobody wants to be lonely at Christmas so we hope that our donations might go some way in supporting older people in the community to feel loved and thought of.

“Young people have also had a really hard time over the pandemic too. Especially those who have disabilities or perhaps act as young carers to family members so we will also be focusing on collecting gifts for teens this year too.”

Last year, the club donated more than 700 kilograms of food, and hundreds of presents for young children through Dunfermline Foodbank and Home Start Dunfermline.

"I’m really proud of the club for coming together to deliver something positive for those in need, especially after what has been an incredibly difficult couple of years," added Stuart.

"Last year’s campaign was very successful and we want to build on that this year. It’s fantastic to be continuing with this annual campaign, demonstrating the club’s ambition to develop a long-standing commitment to support and work collaboratively with our local community.

“The players, coaches, volunteers and members of our club always step up when needed. It’s great to know that everyone’s generosity is going to make Christmas that bit better for so many people in area.”

The club kicked off the collection campaign on Friday and any non-club members interested in supporting their efforts can drop donations off at McKane Park between 6.30-7.30pm every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday until December 17.