Liverpool Football Club’s staff, players, supporters, partners and community teams are coming together this Christmas to support thousands of local people and families throughout the festive period.
The Reds’ community Christmas campaign ‘LFC Operation Christmas Magic’ which is now in its third year, will once again focus its support on child poverty and food poverty to address the ever-increasing need as the cost-of-living crisis continues to worsen.
More than 15 separate activities will take place throughout November and December, delivered by LFC Foundation, Red Neighbours, with support from LFC staff volunteers, supporters, players and former players and club partners AXA, Joie Baby and Quorn to bring communities together and spread festive cheer.
Child Poverty
To ensure no child across the Liverpool City Region wakes up on Christmas morning without a gift, LFC is once again lending its support to Radio City Cash for Kids’ Mission Christmas by donating 1000 gifts.
Fans can support by donating new and unwrapped gifts and dropping them at collection points located at any Official Liverpool FC Store in Liverpool, Chester or Belfast. A text-to-donate option is also available, simply by texting CITY to 70910 to give £10 or 70920 to donate £20.
A dedicated LFC fundraising page is also available for fans who wish to make a cash donation online here.
Radio City Breakfast with Leanne & Scott will broadcast a special live show from the Official LFC retail store at Anfield on Friday 2nd December.
Fans can pop by the store between 7 am-11 am to drop off a toy or cash donation to support this year’s Christmas appeal. There will be free breakfast sandwiches and hot drinks as well as the opportunity to meet Santa, Mighty Red, LFC special guests and a few VIP’s.
Food Poverty
For six years, LFC has worked with and supported St Andrew’s Community Network – home of the North Liverpool Foodbank – on the ongoing issue of food poverty.
The club will host a festive food collection at its home fixture on Dec 30th against Leicester City, encouraging fans and staff to donate essential food items to the Foodbank and Pantry Network across the Liverpool City Region.
Fans can also donate directly to the North Liverpool Foodbank by simply texting FOODBANKFC to 70460 to donate £5 or by visiting www.standrewslive.org.uk/donate
Free Christmas lunches
LFC’s Red Neighbours team will deliver a week of community Christmas lunches at Anfield, providing 700 local people with a Christmas dinner and festive entertainment.
LFC and LFC Foundation is teaming up with club partners to donate and deliver 1,500 Christmas food hampers to local residents, participants and their families in Anfield and Kirkby.
The hampers, which will provide four days’ worth of fresh food for a family of four to enjoy, include a fresh turkey with all the trimming for the perfect roast dinner as well as a host of festive treats for that extra special touch.
Other ‘Operation Christmas Magic’ events include the club’s ever-popular Christmas Carol Service. It will take place at Anfield stadium with guests invited from the local community as well as an array of Christmas parties with LFC Foundation and Red Neighbours. The Reds will also continue its annual support of Alder Hey Children’s Hospital.
Whilst it is seen as a time of celebration and togetherness, Christmas can also be a difficult time for many people, if you or someone you know needs specialist support, please contact:
Age UK – 0800 678 1602
Samaritans – 116 123
MIND – www.mind.org.uk
Childline – 0800 1111
Papyrus – teenage suicide / mental health – 0800 068 4141
Liverpool FC also has a dedicated team of Safeguarding specialists who are there to help –
www.liverpoolfc.com/fans/safeguarding.