As part of our annual Christmas Miracle game this Saturday (when we welcome high-flying Hanley Town to Brookburn Road), we are asking for attendees to bring along a donation to local organisation Reach Out To The Community in exchange for a free drink courtesy of our friends at The Beagle.

Reach out to the Community are based in Chorlton, and do work with some of the most vulnerable people in our local area. In a time of austerity, when mean are struggling to make ends meet against a back-drop of cuts, their work is more vital than ever – which is why we felt it imperative to include them as a partner in this year’s celebrations. Here’s more about them in their own words, as well as what is requested for donations:

ROC was founded in 2016 by South Manchester business owners Becky Elliott and Stephanie Moore, building upon the foundation of two years’ work in a related initiative which they had been heavily involved with from its inception. As that initial project grew and diversified, they felt increasingly drawn in a particular direction. Consequently, in May 2016 they chose to both specialise and localise and so founded a new community venture which had a more specific focus, whilst at the same time expanding to take in people other than the homeless.
Their secular remit is simple: to provide practical help for people in need, with kindness, compassion, and without judgement.

ROC works in partnership with many other Manchester-based organisations and individuals, again drawing upon a well-established history of collaboration and information and resource-sharing. Whilst in their steering roles with the previous project Becky and Stephanie quickly became the public face of the initiative, and their hard work and dedication resulted in their being honoured in the prestigious Be Proud Manchester awards, where they won the Business in the Community category for their work with the homeless.

Reach Out to the Community requires two types of donations to facilitate its good work: provisions for care packages, and books to generate funds through sale. That’s where you can help. Certain items are in constant demand and these are listed below

FOOD
Non-perishable food (items with a long shelf life) including, but not limited to:
Tinned food.
Pasta.
Rice.
Noodles.
Instant noodles.
Biscuits.
Cereals.
Snack bars.
Packet soups.
Jam/marmalade/peanut butter etc.
Cooking sauces, such as pasta sauces, curry etc.
Long-life fruit juices.
Squash and cordials.

SURVIVAL SUPPLIES
Small pop-up tents.
Sleeping bags.

CLOTHING
Men’s jogging/tracksuit bottoms.
Thermal clothing layers.
Underwear.
Socks.

TOILETRIES
Wet wipes.
Deodorant.

BOOKS
Any books in relatively good condition will be gratefully received and sold on the ROC stall to generate funds. All proceeds go to the initiative.

We will also be accepting straight cash donations in exchange for a Beagle beer.

Gates will be open from 2pm, and we will be accepting donations throughout the game – these will then be given to Reach Out To The Community for them to distribute as they see fit. If you are unable to offer a donation, we completely understand, and are forever thankful of your support regardless of individual circumstance. The game will kick off at 3pm, with a huge 90 ahead for both teams. Come on, West!