Ice hockey fans are being encouraged to help spread some festive cheer to those in need.
The Glasgow Clan, who play at Braehead Arena, have launched two community appeals to support vulnerable families this Christmas.
Their campaigns will support Renfrewshire Toy Bank and Feed East Renfrewshire Now (FERN) through collections of toys and food.
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Robert Lachowicz, Glasgow Clan player and assistant coach, said: “Christmas is a time for family and for coming together with loved ones to celebrate.
“But for far too many people in Glasgow and in Scotland, that’s just not an option.
“If you can spare anything – a pound, a fiver, a small toy, some tins of food – you can help us make a huge difference to people who really need it.
“You can literally give families a Christmas.
“We all can.
“That’s what it’s really about.”
Donations can be dropped off at Braehead Arena during the team’s games or at public skating sessions throughout the week.
The toy drive, supporting Renfrewshire Toy Bank, is being held on December 5.
Drop-off points will be available at the arena, and QR codes will also be available for those who prefer to donate cash.
Lauren Roy Sutherland from Renfrewshire Toy Bank said the need for help is high, particularly among certain age groups.
She said: “The thing we’re struggling with, and always do, is gifts for teenagers – they get forgotten.
“A small thing like a Starbucks or Greggs voucher, meaning they can go out with their pals and feel like their friends.
“Smelly things, fluffy socks, PJs – the usual stuff.
“Many services are at crisis point, and we find now there are so many working families struggling just as badly.
“Our unit is empty right now – it was a few days ago, too.
“As soon as things come in, they’re sent off to someone in need.
“We need toys, anything.
“We’re worried.
“Even if you can give things like wrapping paper, tape, batteries, sweets, chocolate – we make up kids’ packs, so anything can be used to help make a child happy.
“We take referrals from so many organisations across the board, and the need is unbelievable.
“We really need your help.
“Thank you to the Clan for supporting us, and to the fans, of course.”
On Friday, December 12, the focus shifts to food donations, which will support the efforts of FERN.
There are themed skating sessions every day, and donation points will be available throughout the next week, so those who want to donate anything can do so.
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Dawn Murray, operations director at FERN, said: “We depend on the generosity of others to run our service, and having an organisation like the Clan supporting us will not only have a huge impact on the volume of donations we receive but also help in raising our profile within the community.
“Larger donations make a massive difference to our clients and us, ensuring that we are able to provide a food pack to more than 60 vulnerable families each week over the festive period and beyond..
“Being a Clan fan myself for over a decade, I am fully aware of the generosity of our club and fan base and can testify to the difference it makes to charities.”
Collection points are available at the entrance to Braehead Arena during public skating sessions and on game nights at the lower food court entrance within the shopping centre.
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