Officers to help provide food and presents to those in need this Christmas

Officers in Stoke-on-Trent North are working with local community organisations to help provide festive food and presents to those in need this Christmas.

The initiative, which is in its second year, will see police join forces with Port Vale FC, The Port Vale Foundation and Jason Powner, aka Skin Jase, to gather donations from the public to distribute to those in need.

Anyone can nominate someone to receive a food and/or present parcel, which will then be delivered to families in time for Christmas.

In order to create the parcels, the force is asking generous members of the public to donate unperishable foods and unwrapped gifts suitable for both adults and children.

These items can be donated from today 26 November until 15 December at the following drop-off points:

• Tesco Extra, Clough Street, Stoke-on-Trent, open daily until midnight

• SkinJase Tattoo Parlour, 83 Ford Green Road, Smallthorne, open on Monday, Wednesday or Friday, 10am to midday

• Port Vale Foundation building, Hamil Road, Burslem, open Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 4pm.

Chief Inspector Simon Brownsword, commander of Stoke North neighbourhood policing team (NPT), said: “We understand that we are all continuing to weather the storm and deal with the ongoing impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

“This is especially true of vulnerable families and children in Stoke-on-Trent.

“Many people have faced financial hardship and uncertainty, and so this year we want to continue to do all we can to help those in need.

“Christmas was very different for us all last year, and this year, it is sure to be an emotional time, especially for those who have lost loved ones to covid-19.

“We want to do something to bring smiles to people’s faces and remind them that they are cared for, whatever their situation.”

Port Vale co-owner and Chair Carol Shanahan OBE said the Port Vale Foundation and Hub Foundation have delivered more than 180,000 meals to families across Stoke-on-Trent since the pandemic began and she is proud to again be working to bring some festive cheer to homes across the Potteries and beyond this Christmas.

To find out more and to nominate someone to receive a food parcel or Christmas gift, email PCSO Christopher Hill [email protected] .