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Following this week’s heartwarming Children’s Christmas Party at The City Ground, which brought joy to over a hundred of the city’s most deserving youngsters, Nottingham Forest now turns its attention to the second phase of its Home For Christmas campaign, spearheaded by owner Evangelos Marinakis.

This Saturday, the Club will turn its Fan Zone into the city’s largest Food & Multibank donation centre, in partnership with local foodbank charity, Himmah.

Opening ahead of Forest’s home game against Aston Villa on Saturday 14th December, and running from Monday 16th December until Friday 20th December, supporters and the local community will be encouraged to donate everyday food and non-food essentials — including clothing, personal hygiene products and festive gifts — to support those struggling to care for themselves and their families this winter.

Donations received in the Fan Zone will then be distributed by Himmah, ensuring they reach deserving individuals and families in time for Christmas. To amplify the positive impact of the Forest Food & Multibank project, Reds owner Evangelos Marinakis has pledged to match the total weight of items donated, doubling the difference we can make together to the lives of the most vulnerable in our community.

The move comes as research shows the city of Nottingham has one of the highest child and hygiene poverty rates in the UK. During a cost-of-living crisis, it is often everyday non-food household items that hard-hit families stop purchasing first, leaving the most vulnerable in our communities in desperate need of support.

In addition, this appeal extends beyond the wider Forest For Everyone initiative, further supported by the Premier League’s Fans Fund which provides grants to support football clubs at all levels of the game to strengthen connections between them, their fans and local communities.

The Forest Food & Multi-Bank will be manned by Club and Community Trust staff, alongside Himmah’s dedicated team of volunteers, and will be open from 3:00pm this Saturday, then every day from 1:00pm – 7:00pm up to and including Friday 20 December.

A convenient drop-off point for fans and local residents to make donations will be located at the Fan Zone entrance in The Brian Clough Stand car park (accessed via Scarrington Road, NG2 5FA).

A wide range of food items are accepted, with the exception of fresh produce, previously opened items, or products with no labelling to identify their contents.

Foods with a long shelf-life are particularly welcomed, including cereals, canned goods, pasta, rice and noodles. Non-food items in urgent need include shampoo, body wash, toothpaste and toothbrushes, deodorant, nappies, sanitary products, washing-up liquid and warm winter socks, hats and gloves.

Uzair Hashmi, Fundraising & Volunteering Lead at Himmah, said: “We are profoundly grateful to Nottingham Forest and Evangelos Marinakis for their extraordinary generosity and support through the multi-bank appeal.

“This partnership will have a transformative impact on the lives of thousands of individuals and families who are struggling to make ends meet. The essential items donated are much more than just basic necessities; they provide dignity, hope, and a sense of security to those facing hardship.

“Matching the weight of these donations underscores the commitment of the club’s owner to making a meaningful difference, and we are incredibly honoured to collaborate with Forest in this vital initiative. Together, we are not just providing aid— we are demonstrating the power of compassion and community.”

Speaking of the Club’s ‘Home For Christmas’ campaign, Evangelos Marinakis said: “At Nottingham Forest, we believe in the power of community. This campaign reflects what it truly means to be part of the Forest Family – supporting one another, including the most vulnerable in our society, especially during difficult times. Together, we can ensure that everyone feels the spirit of Christmas and knows they have a place to belong and call home.”

“The Home For Christmas campaign represents Nottingham Forest’s dedication to its community, ensuring that the festive season is a time of connection, generosity, and joy for all.”