More than 300 boxes full of food and children’s gifts have been donated to organisations thanks to a festive initiative run by Stoke-on-Trent City Centre Business Improvement District (BID).
The Giving Together charity collection campaign encouraged companies and organisations across the city to donate essential food items and toys to be donated to people less fortunate this Christmas.
Recipients of the donations included Stoke-on-Trent Foodbank, YMCA North Staffordshire, The Hubb Foundation, Better Together Community and the Tri Services Veterans Support Centre.
The number of donations has stepped up considerably from 2022 when a total of 75 boxes were collected.
Items donated for this campaign include 200 tins of potatoes, 42 Christmas puddings, 28 teddy bears, 4 slow cookers and 2 bicycles.
Stoke-on-Trent City Centre BID CEO Richard Buxton expressed gratitude for the overwhelming response from businesses and the community.
He said: “The Giving Together campaign is a testament to the compassion that runs deep within our city.
“It warms our hearts to see businesses, large and small, come together to make a positive impact on the lives of those who may be struggling during the holidays.
“We would like to thank our businesses in the city centre, surrounding festival park and valued partners for their generosity.”