Officers and partners provide festive cheer

We have worked alongside a football club and charitable foundation to help spread some festive cheer in the lead up to Christmas this year.

Our joint Christmas appeal saw officers from Stoke-on-Trent North Local Policing team partner with League One’s Port Vale Football Club and The Port Vale Foundation, to provide presents and support to vulnerable individuals and families.

Since the project began, three years ago, we have helped to provide more than 600 vulnerable people with a Christmas dinner, festive treats and donated presents.

This year, members of the public were able to drop off donations at Burslem Police Station and The Port Vale Foundation building on Hamil Road throughout December.

PSCO Chris Hill, of Stoke North Local Policing Team, who has been involved in the project since its inception, said: “We’d like to say a big thank you to residents and retail stores in Stoke-on-Trent who have donated presents.

“It’s been a difficult year for many families, especially with the increasing cost of living.

“By being part of this tremendous appeal, we wanted to help vulnerable children, isolated adults and those in need to receive something special this year.

“It’s important that everyone knows they are cared for – not just over Christmas but throughout the entire year – and we as a force are determined to work with our local partners to keep our communities safe, healthy and able to celebrate this festive season.”

Port Vale Football Club Chair and Co-Owner, Carol Shanahan OBE, said: “We are so grateful for the amazing support of the 2022 Christmas appeal from our partners and local people.

“Thousands have presents have been donated, more than £1,800 has been raised to support the purchasing of gifts, while many local businesses and our wonderful supporters have volunteered their time to help with deliveries of gifts this week.

“I would like to thank all of the staff from Port Vale FC, Synectics Solutions, Hubb Foundation, Bescura Family Hubb and Staffordshire Police for coordinating the appeal and ensuring we could make a significant impact on our local community during the festive period, once again.

“We are very aware of the challenges facing families and isolated adults throughout the winter months in Stoke-on-Trent and hope that our Christmas appeal will provide festive cheer to many people.

“Following this week’s deliveries of gifts and Christmas Hampers, we are also looking forward to hosting more than 100 local people at Vale Park for a festive meal and celebration on Christmas Day.”

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