Stoke-on-Trent City Centre Business Improvement District (BID) is once again rallying the generosity of Hanley's business community with the return of its annual 'Giving Together' Christmas charity campaign, helping to spread a little festive kindness to local families and individuals facing hardship.
As the festive season approaches, the BID is inviting businesses across Stoke-on-Trent City Centre to come together in support of those who need it most, collecting essential food items, toiletries and Christmas gifts to help make the season a little brighter for people experiencing difficult circumstances.
Now a familiar fixture in the BID's annual Christmas programme, Giving Together celebrates the generosity, compassion and community spirit that Stoke-on-Trent is known for, demonstrating how businesses of all sizes can make a meaningful difference when they work together.
Throughout November and December, participating city centre businesses will be encouraged to host Giving Together collection boxes, inviting staff, customers and visitors to contribute whatever they can. The BID will then coordinate the collection and distribution of donated items to local charities and organisations supporting vulnerable individuals and families across Stoke-on-Trent. In previous years, the BID has worked with the YMCA, The Hubb Foundation and Tri Veterans Services for Stoke-on-Trent and Newcastle-under-Lyme.
The campaign is seeking donations of non-perishable food items, toiletries, festive treats and new, unwrapped toys, with suggested contributions including tinned goods, pasta, rice, long-life food products, hygiene essentials, selection boxes and non-alcoholic drinks.
With the cost of living continuing to place pressure on household budgets, the BID hopes this year's appeal will provide some much-needed practical support while reminding people of the power of small acts of kindness.
Richard Buxton, CEO of Stoke-on-Trent City Centre BID, said:
"Christmas is a time for togetherness, generosity and looking out for one another, but we recognise that for many people across our city, it can also be an incredibly challenging time of year.
"Giving Together is about harnessing the collective goodwill of our fantastic city centre business community and turning it into something that makes a genuine difference to local lives.
"Every year, we're reminded of the kindness and generosity that exists within the city centre and beyond, and we're incredibly proud to provide a platform for businesses, their employees and customers to come together for such a worthwhile cause.
"Whether it's a tin of food, a packet of toiletries or a toy that will put a smile on a child's face on Christmas morning, every contribution matters. We hope as many businesses as possible will get behind this year's campaign and help us demonstrate what can be achieved when our city centre gives together."
The initiative forms part of Stoke-on-Trent City Centre BID's wider commitment to supporting its business community while fostering a welcoming, compassionate and connected city centre.
Businesses interested in taking part can register their interest with the BID team, who will coordinate the delivery of collection boxes and arrange for donations to be collected ahead of Christmas. Key Dates for the campaign are as follows:
Around 18 November - official invites circulated to city centre businesses
Around 26 November - boxes distributed by BID for businesses to fill
Around 10 December - filled boxes collected and distributed
To get involved in Giving Together 2026, businesses can contact the BID team at hello@stokeontrentbid.co.uk or visit www.stokeontrentcitycentre.co.uk for further information.
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