Help make Christmas special for children and young people across the borough.
We are asking kind-hearted residents, businesses and organisations to come together to help us plan to make Christmas 2025 extra special for some of the borough's most disadvantaged children and young people.
Since 2010, St Helens Borough Council has run a gift appeal for children aged from birth to 21 years at risk of waking up on Christmas Day without a present. During that time, tens of thousands of items have been donated, with last year's appeal alone resulting in gifts being shared out between more than 850 children and young people - including care leavers.
The response to our previous appeals has been phenomenal and the results have spoken for themselves. Last year, over £6,500 was raised, plus gifts and other items donated from businesses, schools and residents across St Helens borough.
We know that we are in the midst of a cost-of-living crisis which is affecting everyone. However, we're once again asking that we come together this Christmas and make it a special one for all children in the true spirit of our #StHelensTogether mantra.
We know times are hard for many individuals, families, and businesses right now, but I would urge those in a position to do so, to make a contribution - no matter how big or small - as it can certainly go a long way in making someone's Christmas a happy one and supports our key priority as a council of ensuring all children have a positive start in life.
We are asking residents, local businesses and organisations to support the appeal. There are four ways you can help us this Christmas:
Make a cash donation online - any donations will be put towards purchasing gifts for children and young people
Donating gifts directly - these can be toys, clothing, confectionary, gifts cards etc. Some of our children and young people have provided a suggested present list.
Have your workplace donate to the gift appeal rather than take part in Secret Santa
Businesses can become a drop off point for donations from the public
Items we are looking for in particular include new toys, books and clothing, gift vouchers, confectionery, toiletry gift sets and cash donations will also be most welcome. In previous years we have experienced a growing demand for gifts for babies and teenager boys so we ask if consideration could be given to these ages too.
We are unable to take cash donations at the drop-off points, but we would welcome cash donations online.
If you have any general enquiries regarding this appeal, please contact Tracy Sexton, Service Support Manager by email tracysexton@sthelens.gov.uk or by calling 01744 676563.
