Clubs at Christmas: Palace Kitchen feeds local families

As Christmas in the United Kigndom approaches, Premier League clubs have been supporting their local communities as they continue to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic.

We look at how the clubs are coming to the aid of the most vulnerable groups in society in their area.

Crystal Palace

Defender Joel Ward saw how the club's Palace for Life Foundation, together with City Harvest, is creating nutritious meals for thousands of families in the local area.

The Palace Kitchen has been making 350 meals a day at Selhurst Park to supply 5,000 meals before Christmas.

"It's sad that in this day and age people have to rely on this with everything that's around us," Ward said. "But it shows the heart of people, the heart of people in the club and even outside the club who are willing to donate and give something to help others."

Tottenham Hotspur

Spurs will be supporting the local community in various ways over Christmas and that commitment goes beyond the festive period.

The support is including donations to local foodbanks, delivery of Nike kit to youth organisations, virtual Tottenham Hotspur Foundation activities for local families to tackle isolation, distribution of Christmas gifts, as well as raising funds to provide mental-health support for students at the London Academy of Excellence Tottenham.

"We are well aware of how difficult this Christmas will be for local families in need and the Club is committed to showing its support," said chairman Daniel Levy. "Support for our community is not just for Christmas - the Club is striving to ensure we can all come through this incredibly tough time together, heading into what will hopefully be a better year ahead."

See: Club announces commitment to community support through Christmas and beyond

Leeds United

The Leeds United Foundation and official club partner SBOTOP last week began a health and wellbeing initiative to help their older generation of supporters at risk of isolation.

"Fit Generations" involves weekly online social sessions being hosted by coaches from the club's charity and will be inclusive to anyone suffering with dementia or any other mental or physical disabilities.

The sessions will give participants the opportunity to socialise and reminisce as well as encouraging them to stay active and learn new skills.

See: Foundation launches new community initiative

Wolverhampton Wanderers

Since the start of the pandemic, the Wolves Foundation has teamed up with club owners Tosun to deliver thousands of items of PPE equipment to local hospitals and care homes.

And that partnership has just announced the donation of more than 10,000 additional face masks to different charities and agencies across Wolverhampton. 

"This latest donation of over 10,000 masks is another which should help protect the community during the coming weeks and months," said Will Clowes, head of Wolves Foundation.

Also in this series

Part 1: Man City deliver festive joy
Part 2: Ings the quizmaster surprises SaintsAbility youngsters
Part 4: Clubs' virtual visits bring festive cheer
Part 5: West Ham supporting local community
Part 6: Heidi's special trip to Bramall Lane
Part 7: Newcastle provide families with support