While Christmas celebrations are in full swing for many people across the county, others find themselves in a position where they need a little help and support.
There are many charities across Staffordshire doing great work for people in difficult situations.
Here, Daily Focus details some of their campaigns still looking for support from the business community.
The Gingerbread Centre’s Christmas Wish Appeal aims to raise £9,500 to cover the costs of running the charity’s two supported accommodation sites in Stoke-on-Trent, which will be home to more than 30 families over the 12 Days of Christmas.
The appeal will also ensure staff – who give up time with their own families to provide round-the-clock support – can help parents create a special Christmas for their children.
Donations can be made via JustGiving here, or visit the charity’s website to find out more.
Titanic Brewery is also donating to The Gingerbread Centre for every gingerbread latte sold in its eight bod café bars. Keep that in mind when you’re planning a coffee in Stafford, Stoke, Trentham, Newport, Matlock, Stone, Alsager or Lichfield.
Dougie Mac’s Christmas jumper day is being held on Friday, 13 December.
The charity, which delivers care for people with life-limiting conditions, is also running a New Year raffle and has a Christmas tree collection initiative.
For those further south, Katharine House Hospice also has a Christmas tree collection scheme.
The team at Addmaster & Polygiene are raising money for Katharine House Hospice through a virtual run/walk/cycle to Lapland from the office in Stafford – over 2,035 miles within 24 days. Their fundraising page can be found here.
Port Vale Football Club has joined up with Leek Building Society, Staffordshire Police, Staffordshire Fire & Rescue and Re-Form Heritage for a gift appeal for boys and girls up to 18.
Gifts can be dropped off at the club and money can be donated here, or visit this website for more information. Company volunteering days can be booked by emailing [email protected]
A perfect fundraiser for Port Vale fans is being staged by Keele-based Internet Central. The company was presented with a signed 2024/25 home shirt after sponsoring a match earlier this year and the team are now raffling it off to raise money for the Port Vale Foundation. The JustGiving page is here, but it closes at midday on Friday, 13 December so be quick!
UHNM Charity, which raises money for Royal Stoke University Hospital and Stafford’s County Hospital, has a range of festive fundraising initiatives this year.
Fancy Dress Friday takes place on Friday, 20 December with businesses, schools and community groups encouraged to dress up and donate £1 per person.
The EPIC Wrap encourages businesses to become collection points for donations of gifts on 19 and 20 December, while there is also a Gift Kindness initiative where donors can purchase activity packs for children and adults receiving care at both hospitals for just £5.
Find out more about the charity’s Christmas fundraisers here.
Homelessness organisation Derventio Housing Trust, which is currently providing accommodation for around 150 people in Staffordshire, is looking for help to buy special festive gift boxes of treats. Click here to donate.
The Peter Pan Centre for Children with Special Needs, based in Newcastle-under-Lyme, has its Christmas jumper day on Thursday, 12 December.
And Midlands Air Ambulance Charity has a Christmas raffle with a top prize of £3,000.
Finally, can you help to sponsor a Christmas dinner for vulnerable individuals and families facing poverty via Alice Charity? If so, email [email protected]
Don’t forget, many of the region’s charities also have their own shops, offering ranges of cards and gifts to purchase for Christmas.
And charities need your help all year round, why not plan a fundraising initiative of your own in the company diary for 2025?
This guide is intended to highlight some of the Staffordshire charity initiatives running now. If you know another worthy of a mention, please help to spread the word by leaving a comment below.
This Christmas is incredible difficult for many. We like to raise funds to help families and elderly to keep their homes warm by helping with their bills and therefore have a Christmas without freezing.
Better Together is supporting over 6000 families yearly with food and hygiene provision, as well as offering a welcomming, non-judgmental safe space for everyone. From a brew, a free meal, visitors charging their mobile phone, activities for children and youth to help with form filling and general advise,
Thank you from everyone at Better Together
http://www.bettertogethercommunitystoke.org