NEW Earswick All Blacks are once again engaging with the local community as lockdown continues, through their Christmas Shoebox Appeal.

Since March, New Earswick All Blacks have helped two care homes in York - New Lodge in New Earswick and Lime Tree House in Poppleton - by donating some materials including etchings, books, magazines, DVDs and puzzle books.

The All Blacks haven’t been able to play competitive matches since the pandemic struck, with training sessions taking place under strict Covid-19 rules.

"Not having the rugby fix has been tough for some of the members, but we thought there are people who haven’t even had this freedom of getting out and about, or seeing family," a club statement said.

Explaining their latest charitable cause, they added: "The club have decided to create a Shoebox Appeal, which will see its members create a shoebox to donate, so that each member of both care homes have something to open on Christmas Day.

"We are, however seeking as many shoeboxes as possible and are appealing for other people in the York community to get involved and create one.

"Get creative, have a think about what you’d want to bring you joy at Christmas and fill a shoebox, then wrap the shoebox (so it is able to be opened), and drop it off at New Earswick Sports Club on Sunday, December 13 between 12-4pm.

"We are also accepting donations from people to fill a shoebox for them, and we are also asking local businesses to sponsor a shoebox or two.

"Those businesses that do sponsor will get their business web address and info on the club website www.neab.co.uk and through the club social media channels.

"If you are going to donate a shoebox or would like to sponsor one, then please contact club chairman Jack Stearman on chairman@neab.co.uk."