Trust renews backing for festive food drive

Derby County Community Trust has said it is once again backing an appeal for food donations for people who need them most over Christmas.

It will be working with Derby Food 4 Thought Alliance to accept donations.

The partnership between the two charities was initially forged at the very beginning of the covid pandemic, when Pride Park Stadium became a main drop off point for donations.

Work has since continued between the two organisations to support residents in the city, with notable projects including Christmas Cheer and Easter collections facilitated through Derby County.

This Christmas, supporters are encouraged to take part in Derby Food 4 Thought Alliance’s Reverse Advent Calendar campaign, where they ‘collect’ an item of tinned or dried food per day for 25 days.

The result is a full food parcel, which will be distributed in the run up to Christmas.

Collections will take place at Pride Park Stadium on 1 and 2 December, from 11am to 2pm.

Collections will also be accepted before the Rams’ fixture against Sheffield Wednesday on 3 December, from 11am until kick-off.

The donation hub will be situated in the new Community Corner at Pride Park Stadium, located in the stadium’s North West Corner.

Paul Brookhouse, project manager at Derby Food 4 Thought Alliance, said: “As a country there is no clear strategy to support people and we are not prepared for this winter and what it will bring. We are part of a rising cost of living strategy group to help the city response.

“It is a tough season, and our main target at this point is to help people survive the winter. Our aim is to extend food support, provide community meals to keep people fed, stop them being isolated, supporting their mental health and keeping people warm, provide debt support and hopefully set up a crisis fund.”

To find out more about the appeal visit https://www.derbycountycommunitytrust.com/news/festive-food-drive-confirmed.