Gift Appeal Leeds 2026

Every Child Deserves Christmas

For many children and families across Leeds, Christmas can be a difficult time.

Rising living costs, ongoing financial pressures and specific family circumstances mean that many parents face the heart breaking reality of being unable to provide gifts for their children.

Through our Gift Appeal 2026, Leeds Children’s Charity works with schools, community organisations, support services and families across the city to ensure children receive a gift this Christmas. Thanks to the kindness of our supporters, thousands of gifts have brought joy, excitement and hope to children who might otherwise go without.

A gift can bring joy on Christmas morning. A stay at Leeds Children’s Charity can help a child try new experiences, grow in confidence, form lasting friendships and see new possibilities for their future. Your support can help change what comes next.

A gift can brighten a child’s Christmas. Your support can help change what comes next.

Why the Gift Appeal Matters

One in four children in Leeds is growing up in poverty, and in some communities, child poverty affects more than half of all children.

Behind every gift donated is a child who deserves to wake up on Christmas morning feeling valued, remembered and included. A gift may seem like a small gesture, but it can make a significant difference to a child's confidence, happiness and sense of belonging.

Every year, demand for support continues to grow, and 2026 is expected to be our biggest Gift Appeal yet.

The Impact of Your Support

Last year, supporters helped us deliver thousands of Christmas gifts to children and young people across Leeds.

Your donation helps us:

• Give a gift to a child that might otherwise not receive one.

• Support families experiencing financial hardship.

• Ensure children feel included during the festive season.

• Bring communities, schools and businesses together to make a difference.

• Create moments of joy that become lasting memories.

When you support the Gift Appeal, you're helping ensure every child has the chance to feel the magic of Christmas.

What Gifts Are Needed?

We collect gifts for children and young people aged newborn to 18 years old.

• Please donate new gifts only

• Gifts should be suitable for different age groups and interests

• All gifts must be left unwrapped to support our sorting and allocation process

View our gift list

Drop Off & Collection Information

Gift Collections Begin 26 November 2026

Drop of dates to Lineham Farm:

• 1 December 2026

• 3 December 2026

• 8 December 2026

Final date for drop off is 10th December

While we can sometimes arrange collections, our resources are limited. Supporters are encouraged to drop gifts directly to our charity home at Lineham Farm from 26 November onwards.

To help us manage deliveries efficiently, all gift drop-offs must be booked in advance.

Click to get in touch and arrange your donation drop-off or to discuss collection options.

Community Collection Points

A huge thank you to our fantastic collection partners who are supporting the Gift Appeal this year.

You can drop gifts at the following locations until 9 December 2026:

• Trinity Leeds

• The Springs

• St John's Centre

Thank you to each of these partners for helping make it easier for supporters to donate.

Requesting Gifts

Schools, community groups, charities, faith organisations and referral partners can request gifts for children and young people through our online Gift Request Form.

• Gifts are available for children from newborns to teenagers

• Collections must be booked in advance

• Choose your preferred collection date and time from Lineham Farm

• Gift allocations are subject to availability and cannot be guaranteed

Click to complete Gift Appeal request form

Donate the Cost of a Gift

A financial donation allows us to purchase gifts where demand is highest and helps us fill gaps in age ranges and gift categories.

Make a donation

Send a Gift Directly Through Amazon

Can't get to one of our drop-off locations?

Visit our Amazon Gift Appeal Wish List to purchase a gift online and have it delivered directly to our charity home at Lineham Farm.

Shop

Join Our Team of Christmas Elves

In 2025, we received a record-breaking number of donations, with thousands of gifts generously donated by our supporters.

As the appeal continues to grow, we're looking for volunteers to help us make Christmas happen for children across Leeds.

Volunteer Van Drivers

Help collect gifts from businesses, schools, community groups and collection points across the city.

Gift Appeal Coordinators

•Support our Gift Appeal team by helping coordinate teams of volunteer elves as they:

•Sort donations

•Organise gifts by age range

•Prepare gifts for collection

•Wrap and package gifts where required

•Support distribution days

Whether you can spare a few hours or several days, your time can make a huge difference.

View roles & apply

Want to get your workplace involved?

Our Corporate Christmas Gift Appeal Pack contains everything you need to run a successful workplace collection and engage colleagues in supporting local children.

Download the Corporate Christmas Gift Appeal Pack

Download

This Christmas, help ensure poverty doesn’t define childhood.

Whether you donate a gift, volunteer your time, organise a workplace collection or make a financial contribution, you can help ensure children across Leeds experience the joy of Christmas.

A gift can brighten a child’s Christmas. Your support can help change what comes next.

FAQs

What is the Gift Appeal?

Leeds Children’s Charity’s Christmas Gift Appeal 2026 collects new gifts, donations and volunteer support to help ensure children and young people across Leeds experience the joy of Christmas.

Who benefits?

Children and young people from newborns to teenagers living in families experiencing poverty, hardship or other challenges across Leeds.

How can people help?

Supporters can:

Donate a new gift
Make a financial donation
Purchase from the Amazon Wish List
Volunteer
Host a workplace collection
Organise a school appeal
Share the campaign online

What impact does support make?

Support helps ensure children feel valued, included and remembered at Christmas while helping create moments of joy and lasting memories.

Where can I donate Christmas Gifts in Leeds?

You can donate new, unwrapped Christmas gifts through Leeds Children’s Charity’s Gift Appeal 2026. Gifts can be dropped off at Lineham Farm or at our collection partners including Trinity Leeds, The Springs and St John’s Centre.

What gifts are needed for the Christmas Gift Appeal?

We collect gifts for children and young people from newborns to teenagers. We welcome new, unwrapped gifts suitable for a range of ages and interests. View our Gift List for suggested donation ideas.

Can I donate money instead of a gift?

Yes. Financial donations help Leeds Children’s Charity purchase gifts where they are needed most and support the delivery of the Gift Appeal.

Can businesses get involved in the Christmas Gift Appeal?

Absolutely. Businesses can organise workplace gift collections, sponsor activities, volunteer, fundraise, make financial donations and download our Corporate Christmas Gift Appeal Pack.

How do I volunteer for the Christmas Gift Appeal?

We are looking for Volunteer Van Drivers and Gift Appeal Coordinators to help collect, sort and distribute gifts. Visit our volunteer page to register your interest.

Can schools request Christmas gifts for children?

Yes. Schools, community groups and referral organisations can submit a Gift Request Form. Collections must be booked in advance and are subject to availability.

Every child deserves Christmas

Donate today