Football fans are showing their support for those struggling to cope with the cost-of-living crisis by donating warm clothing.
A new initiative led by local charity Kibble, St Mirren Football Club and Scottish Leather Group is giving people the chance to hand in jackets, jumpers, scarves, hats, gloves, boots and blankets that will then be distributed to others who are in need.
Several items were donated at St Mirren's match against St Johnstone at the SMiSA Stadium, in Paisley, last night.
And supporters will get another chance to bring along any warm clothing they no longer need when the Buddies play host to Rangers on Saturday.
These can be handed in at the stadium's entrance points ahead of the 12.30pm kick-off.
St Mirren and Scottish Leather Group are also opening their doors at other times to allow people to donate clothing.
Those in charge of the project also want to hear from foodbanks and local charities that can help distribute the clothes to those who are most in need.
Jim Gillespie, chief executive of Kibble, which provides specialist services for at-risk young people, told The Gazette: “There is no doubt we are facing one of the toughest winters to date and it is crucial that organisations support their local communities as much as they possibly can.
“Our young people are keen to help others and be involved in such a worthwhile project supporting their local community.
"We are thrilled to be working with our partners at St Mirren Football Club, in addition to our neighbour Scottish Leather Group, as we come together to provide support in this way.”
Keith Lasley, St Mirren's chief operating officer, added: “A strong sense of community runs through all that we do at St Mirren Football Club and our fans, players and staff are wholeheartedly committed to providing support where we can.
“We recently launched our Help a Buddie scheme, where supporters have the chance to purchase and donate a match ticket for those less fortunate, and we have been overwhelmed with the generosity of our fans.
"We are delighted to now extend that generosity further and support those within our local area who need it most.”
Nicholas Muirhead, chief commercial officer at Scottish Leather Group, said: “We have been embedded within the local communities of Paisley and wider Renfrewshire for hundreds of years and we remain committed to providing support where possible.
“We are extremely pleased to start a new partnership with both St Mirren Football Club and Kibble as we launch our first initiative together. As three of Paisley’s largest organisations and employers, responsibility sits firmly on our shoulders to come together to provide opportunity and support and we have been humbled by the engagement of our people who are keen to get involved.”
Clothing can be handed in to reception at the SMiSA Stadium between 10am and 4pm on Mondays to Fridays. Alternatively, items can be left at the security gate at Scottish Leather Group’s base in Turner Drive, Paisley, between 8am and 6pm on weekdays and from 10am until 2pm at the weekend between now and Wednesday, November 16.
Any charities or foodbanks that can help with distribution should send an email to kibble@bigpartnership.co.uk.
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