On Saturday 16th December, ahead of our home game here at the Tony Macaroni Arena against Kilmarnock, we’ll be hosting a collection where we will be asking supporters of both sides for donations of food and essentials in aid of both West Lothian Foodbank. and Dogs Trust.

Livingston Women FC are also at home on Sunday 17th December, welcoming SWPL2 league leaders Queen’s Park to West Lothian, and will also be accepting collections on that day too.

The most vulnerable in our community are currently facing extreme hardship due to the current cost of living crisis, and this could very likely continue for the foreseeable future due to rising costs, including fuel, and the end of a number of vital support schemes.

We would therefore like to invite all supporters from both teams who are attending the tie here next weekend to bring along a donation if they can. The donation point will be located outside our main stand, just to the left of the Stadium Bar entrance as you face the ground. We’ll have players from our league winning women’s team there who will be on hand to take your donation from you. We also offer a big thank you to our official waste partner Progressive Waste Solutions, who have provided a brand new collection bin for us to use on the day to gather and store the donations.

Whilst every, single donation made will be hugely welcomed, however little, both charities have also provided us with a list of some of the more urgently required items. See below –

Foodbank

• Mashed Potato
• Stock cubes
• UHT long life milk
• Rice pudding/Custard
• Chopped tomatoes
• Tinned fruit and veg
• Noodles
• Toilet roll
• Household Cleaning spray
• Cat food
• Diluting juice
• Curry sauce (jars)
• Pasta sauce (jars)
• Breakfast cereals
• Drinking chocolate
• Instant coffee
• Dry rice
• Tinned tuna
• Crackers
• Biscuits

Dogs Trust

• Food
• Treats
• Blankets
• Towels
• Toys
• Collars
• Leads

If you can’t make the game but would still like to help the food bank, please visit their website here for details on money donations or how to volunteer your time if you’re able to do so. Likewise, if you’d like to donate to Dogs Trust, you can find more details on that here.

Livingston FC CEO, Dave Black said: “I’ve said this many times before when we’ve held these collections, but it angers and upsets me that in this day and age we have so many people in both the country and West Lothian itself, who are reliant on food banks but it’s a real and sad reality. 

“Food banks are an unfortunate aspect of our society but we are delighted to be involved and support the work that the Foodbank does in the community for those most in need, particularly over this festive period.

“Likewise, we know there will be lots of animal lovers out there and the Dogs Trust finds itself in a similar position to the food bank in respect of relying even more just now on kind donations from the public. Even if you have old blankets and towels that you’re needing rid of, these can be used so you might be able to help without spending a penny.

“We’re very grateful to everyone who might be in a position to help us. Please don’t feel that you have to donate lots and lots – every single can, tin or packet that you donate will be making a huge difference to someone in real need to support.

“Hopefully this rally can help the Foodbank to replenish their stock on some of the more sought after products and provide them with a number of key items and essentials that they’ve currently run out of.

“Our fans have always been very quick to support all of the various charity efforts we’ve put forward over the years and again, we know their generosity on this occasion will offer a huge help to those most in need this Christmas. Whilst we know they will have their own local fundraisers and efforts to support too, we welcome the visiting Kilmarnock supporters to join us if they are able to do so too.

“It’s great to work alongside Natasha and Fiona from the women’s section on this too – something they really pushed to ensure happened and resultantly gives an even bigger feel to the club across the whole, trying to support the local community,

“A big thank you to Duncan and Craig from Progressive Waste Solutons for their support with this too – it’s hugely appreciated.”

Natasha Frew, captain of Livingston WFC added: “Due to the current cost of living crisis West Lothian Foodbank have seen a 57% decrease in the amount of donations received. They are heavily reliant on donations to help and support our most vulnerable in the community and therefore we as a team encourage people to donate as they can.

“Alongside the above we are also asking for your support to donate your pre-loved items to our furry friends at Dogs Trust such as treats, toys, towels and bedding (except feather duvets). A charity who go the extra mile to care for dogs and another who are in need of donations, especially at this time of year.

“We hugely appreciate your help and support with this and your donations will go a long way.”

Thank you in advance for your support!

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