Mecca Sheffield collects donations for 50 hampers - to support struggling families in the city this Christmas

The familiar call of ‘bingo!’ has been replaced by ‘donation!’ at Mecca Sheffield this December.
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The doors to the city centre club may be closed this month – as they have been for much of the year – but the Sheffield team has taken the opportunity to throw themselves into work with a difference.

For the past two weeks they’ve been collecting donations for local foodbanks, and they’ve now collected enough items to create 50 family hampers, worth £50 each, to help Sheffield families who are struggling this Christmas.

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"I’m so proud of my team, and extremely grateful to my customers for their support,” said general manager Debbie Hercock.

Dawn Wetherall, Debbie Hercock, and Dawn Isdell with the hampers they've helped to create, at Mecca SheffieldDawn Wetherall, Debbie Hercock, and Dawn Isdell with the hampers they've helped to create, at Mecca Sheffield
Dawn Wetherall, Debbie Hercock, and Dawn Isdell with the hampers they've helped to create, at Mecca Sheffield

“It’s been a terrible year unlike any other, so we’re thrilled to be able to give something back to our community.

"Mecca is a key part of the local community, and throughout the first lockdown our team volunteered to use their time to help those in need, joining teams from clubs across the country to prepare and deliver over 50,000 meals to local communities, emergency workers, care homes and charities.”

As part of Mecca’s national Christmas appeal – Everyone Deserves a Christmas – Mecca Sheffield decided to help those who may be struggling this winter season have some festive cheer, and committed to collecting non-perishable items for the S6 Foodbank, which is run by The Philadelphia Network to support families in need in the local community.

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"We’ve collected a vast amount of tinned fruit, soup, pasta, and toiletries, and our team has been in the club three days a week taking donations.

Dawn Wetherall with two of the £50 hampersDawn Wetherall with two of the £50 hampers
Dawn Wetherall with two of the £50 hampers

"This week, 17 of our members worked to create 50 hampers, which will be delivered to the food bank this week for distribution.

"We’ve also added some traditional mince pies in to the hampers, to give people that extra Christmassy touch.

“The people of Sheffield are unfailingly generous, and they love to think they’ve made a difference to the lives of local people who are perhaps less fortunate than they are, and we’re thrilled with the result."

And for those who have yet to donate, Debbie reveals the appeal isn’t over yet – the club is still taking donations on its JustGiving page or at its Flat Street club.

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