Huge crockery donation benefit dozens of charities

Thousands of pieces of donated crockery have been split among more than 100 charities and voluntary groups in a scheme aimed at supporting their activities and projects.

Pottery manufacturer Steelite gave the ceramics away for free in Stoke-on-Trent with 11 tonnes of cups, plates, bowls and jugs handed out at the Dudson Centre in Hanley.

The giveaway allows the groups to use the free kitchen and tableware for their work.

Stacey Thorley, from Triband Care Services, which helps rehouse homeless people, said it was a massive boost to them.

"It will help immensely throughout the city," she said. "It is appreciated."

More pallets of mugs had to be delivered on the second day of the event to meet demand

Natasha Bolton, from Steelite, said, despite the challenges the pottery industry is facing, her company was passionate about giving back to the community.

Several pottery firms including Moorcroft, Royal Stafford and Johnson Tiles have collapsed in the past few months.

"It's been fantastic," Ms Bolton said. "Lots of people who are really grateful for what we are doing so it's great that we can give back."

The Totally Stoked giveaway has been organised between Steelite and VAST (Voluntary Action Stoke-on-Trent) for the last four years.

In 2024, 7,100 items were donated and collected by 47 different groups during the one-day event.

"It's always absolute chaos," smiled Faye Angus from VAST.

"There's always people that want these things because its difficult to get funding for them."

Claire Jervis was among those collecting the donations and said she would use them for their next afternoon tea at their village hall

To meet the demand, this year's event was extended to two days and the amount of crockery more than quadrupled in size.

More than 100 charities and groups benefited from this year's giveaway, more than double the 2024 total.

"Times are hard for community groups," acknowledged Ms Angus. "They're needed so much - especially in Stoke-on-Trent"

"The voluntary sector are integral to community life."