YMCA North Staffordshire is calling on residents and businesses to take part in the 'Battle of the Boxes' Christmas collection initiative.

The organisation has launched the initiative - which will run until Tuesday 1 December - to run alongside its Big Give Christmas fundraising campaign.

The initiative aims to collect 500 boxes of chocolates, which will be included in the YMCA's annual Christmas hampers.

A spokesperson for YMCA North Staffordshire said the hampers help to "bring a little extra joy to families across the city who may otherwise struggle to afford the essentials, let alone the treats that make Christmas special".

The spokesperson added: "Working alongside its wonderful network of local partners, YMCA North Staffordshire distributes Christmas hampers filled with festive goodies and essential items to families who need a helping hand.

"Whether you are a loyal fan of one particular brand or simply want to support a brilliant local cause, every box donated will help make Christmas that little bit sweeter for a family in North Staffordshire."

To add an element of "friendly competition", YMCA North Staffordshire will keep a running poll of which chocolate brand is leading the battle throughout the campaign.

A spokesperson for YMCA North Staffordshire said: "Celebrations, Quality Street, Heroes and Roses are going head-to-head in a festive showdown to find out which iconic Christmas chocolate box deserves to be crowned the ultimate champion."

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The official collection began on 1 November and will end on 1 December 2026.

Donations can be dropped off at YMCA North Staffordshire reception, labelled for the attention of Martyna Kiedel.

For more information on how you can support YMCA North Staffordshire's Christmas campaigns, visit the website here.