YMCA North Staffordshire is asking local businesses to help make Christmas brighter for thousands of people in need across Stoke-on-Trent and North Staffordshire.
The charity’s annual Christmas Hamper Appeal supports around 600 local families, providing festive food, toys and treats for those who might otherwise go without.
Donations through the JustGiving campaign page fund the hampers, while a separate wish list helps provide gifts and prizes for young people, asylum seekers, and the YMCA children’s Christmas party.
The wish list includes:
- 200 selection boxes
- 100 Books for ages two to 12
- Mince pies
- Cakes, biscuits and bakery goods
- 82 + 60 Chocolate/biscuit gift sets
- Prizes for children’s and adults’ games
- Christmas decorations and table covers
- Christmas costumes/outfits
- 90 Stanley-type cups (gender-neutral colours)
- 85 wireless earbuds
- 80 shower gel and deodorant gift sets
- 82 sofa throws
- 82 sofa cushions
- 50 family boxes/hampers
- 20 single presents
Anyone who can help with any of the items can buy and deliver to: Christmas Appeal, YMCA North Staffordshire, Harding Road, Stoke-on-Trent, ST1 3AE.
YMCA North Staffordshire is also inviting local businesses and teams to donate their time to help bring the festive season to life.
Volunteers are needed throughout December to wrap presents, prepare hampers, decorate spaces and support children’s Christmas parties.
Here’s how you can get involved:
- 8–19 December – Flexible hours (around four hours) – four volunteers needed
Help wrap gifts and prizes.
📧 Contact: Tegan.Gough@ymcans.org.uk - 8–16 December – Flexible hours (around six hours) – four volunteers needed
Support present wrapping and preparation.
📧 Contact: Monaliza.Gabal@ymcans.org.uk - 17 December – 10:30am (four to five hours) – Up to six volunteers needed
Join Martyna’s team to help wrap Christmas presents.
📧 Contact: Martyna.Kiedel@ymcans.org.uk - 19 December – 10:30am (four to five hours) – Up to 6 volunteers needed
Another opportunity to help wrap gifts and prepare decorations.
📧 Contact: Martyna.Kiedel@ymcans.org.uk - 22 December – 9:00am (four hours) – As many volunteers as possible
Support the YMCA Christmas Party, helping with activities, decorations and gift distribution.
📧 Contact: Tegan.Gough@ymcans.org.uk
Nicky Twemlow, Director of Communities & Partnerships at YMCA North Staffordshire, said: “Every year we see the power of local people and businesses coming together to make Christmas magical for those who need it most.
“Whether you donate through our JustGiving page, buy a gift from our wish list, or volunteer a few hours, you’ll be helping us spread warmth and kindness across our community.”
“Every pair of hands makes a difference. Whether you’re a small team or a large business, volunteering together is a great way to give back — and help make Christmas magical for those who need it most.”
For more details or to get involved, visit www.ymcans.org.uk or donate directly via justgiving.com/campaign/ymcachristmashampers.
