VAST Festive Micro-Volunteering
'Poems, Pies and Pals' Community Event
To kick off our December festivities we recently hosted ‘Pies, Pals and Poems’ for a warm winter gathering, bringing volunteers and community organisations together to wrap donated gifts for individuals facing difficult circumstances, especially during the holiday season. We created the chance for people to come together at a time of year when isolation and holiday pressures may become a barrier for the local community.
The Ageing Well Partnership, together with The Community Foundation for Staffordshire and Shropshire, supported this winter event, calling all Dudson Centre residents, volunteers, and partner organisations for an afternoon of festive pies, spoken-word poetry, and charitable community wrapping.
The micro-volunteering gift-wrapping station generated more than 100 gift-wrapped self-care packages for individuals and families in need across the area.
Everyone came together to problem-solve and create a Santa’s workshop assembly line: assembling gifts, wrapping, tagging and bow-ing!
These self-care gifts will be distributed to local communities over the coming weeks to people across Stoke-on-Trent.
A major highlight was the performance by Nick Degg, the city’s Centenary Poet Laureate and a well-known figure in Stoke-on-Trent’s cultural arts scene. Nick wasn’t afraid to try his hand at some sticking and wrapping, adding a few extra presents to the sleigh! His humorous, local poetry brought the room together through laughter-filled storytelling.
Following Nick’s performance, several volunteers stepped forward to read poems of their own. Exploring creative outlets can support personal well-being and individuality, aging well in communities through experimentation of art.
Thank you to Nick and our Stokie poets for sharing your wonderful creations!
Alongside wrapping and poetry, guests sat down for a warm selection of pies, chips and gravy, followed by mince pies and hot drinks funded by the Beth Johnson Foundation.
The shared meal played an important role in shaping the day, providing a relaxed space for conversation and new introductions. Community connectors were able to discuss the work of the voluntary sector, while volunteers had the opportunity to build relationships through our volunteering network.
Thank you to the Dudson Café for the delicious pies for everyone!
"I enjoyed the community spirit, present wrapping, poetry and the atmosphere. Really good event and very enjoyable. It was good to meet new people as well, thanks VAST!"
The event remains part of our the ongoing collaboration between the Ageing Well Partnership.
Poems, Pies and Pals continues to grow our collaboration with the Ageing Well Partnership, coordinating activities throughout the winter to help residents stay connected, supported, and involved in their communities.
The success of ‘Poems, Pies and Pals’ opened up new community relationships and local community spirit. Micro-volunteering events like this one boost community action by turning one-off, concentrated tasks into easy ways for people to get involved.
To get involved in micro-volunteering, call 01782 683030, visit our volunteering notice board, or email volunteering@vast.org.uk.
Thank you to everyone who joined us for Pies, Pals and Poems!
Your time, energy and generosity helped ensure that people in our local community will receive thoughtful, beautifully wrapped gifts this winter.
We’re grateful to all the volunteers and organisations who came together in support of our Stoke-on-Trent community. Your contributions made the event truly meaningful, and we look forward to continuing this spirit of kindness for the festive season ahead.
"VAST made a warm space, with plenty of time to make connections and speak with one another. The poetry helped us to understand each other and be part of something different. Thank you for introducing me to the idea of micro-volunteering!"
Interested in volunteering?
Looking for your next opportunity? Check out the notice board and discover your next volunteering opportunity!