Christmas Campaign 2026

Every Child Deserves Christmas

20th October 2026

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

With One in four children in Leeds living in poverty, for thousands of children across Leeds, Christmas is not always filled with excitement, presents and happy memories. For many families facing financial hardship, the festive season can bring added pressure, worry and impossible choices.

That’s why Leeds Children’s Charity is launching its Every Child Deserves Christmas Campaign – a community-wide appeal encouraging people across Leeds and Yorkshire to donate, support the Big Give Christmas Challenge, volunteer, fundraise or give a gift to a child who might otherwise go without.

Because every child deserves more than a present.

They deserve the chance to belong, participate, make friends, build confidence and create positive memories that last a lifetime.

Donate Today to Help Children in Leeds

This Christmas, our message is simple:

Donate today. Change a childhood tomorrow.

As a local children’s charity supporting disadvantaged children across Leeds, we know that one gift can create a moment of happiness.

But your donation can do so much more.

By supporting Leeds Children’s Charity’s Christmas Appeal, you’re helping children access:

  • Outdoor learning opportunities
  • Residential breaks and respite experiences
  • Confidence-building activities
  • New friendships and social connections
  • Adventure and exploration
  • Positive childhood memories
  • Experiences that inspire hope and ambition

Your support doesn’t just help children at Christmas. It helps create opportunities throughout the year that empower children to thrive beyond their circumstances.

Donate now and help ensure poverty doesn’t define childhood.

[Insert Donation Link]

Why Is the Every Child Deserves Christmas Appeal Important?

Child Poverty in Leeds Remains a Growing Challenge

For many families, the rising cost of living means Christmas can become another financial burden rather than a time of celebration.


Children should never miss out on opportunities because of circumstances beyond their control.


At Leeds Children's Charity, we believe every child deserves:

• To feel safe

• To feel included

• To belong

• To participate

• To thrive

• To make happy memories

• To dream bigger than their circumstances


That's why fundraising, donations and community support are so vital.


Every pound donated helps us provide opportunities that can transform a child's confidence, wellbeing and future outlook.

Every Child Deserves More Than a Present

A new toy or gift can bring joy on Christmas morning.


But a child's future is built through experiences.


When you donate to Leeds Children's Charity, you help provide opportunities for children to:


Build Confidence

Trying something new, overcoming challenges and achieving goals can help children develop self-belief that stays with them for life.


Make Lasting Friendships

Many children facing disadvantage experience social isolation. Shared activities help children connect, build friendships and feel part of something bigger.


Create Happy Memories

Positive childhood experiences help shape healthier, more resilient futures.


Experience Adventure and Outdoor Learning

Outdoor activities encourage confidence, teamwork, independence and resilience while allowing children to discover their potential.


Click to rad more about our impact and watch our short video

Support Our Christmas Gift Appeal in Leeds

Alongside fundraising and donations, we're also asking our community to support our annual Christmas Gift Appeal.


We're collecting new, unwrapped gifts for children and young people who may otherwise wake up without a present on Christmas Day.


Gifts Needed


We welcome gifts suitable for:

• Babies and toddlers

• Primary-aged children

• Teenagers

• Young adults

Help a Child Receive a Gift This Christmas


Click to view our Gift Appeal and get involved today

More Ways to Get Involved

Double Your Impact Through the Big Give Christmas Challenge

Supporters can also maximise their impact through our participation in the Big Give Christmas Challenge.


During the campaign period, eligible donations may be doubled, meaning your contribution could help even more children across Leeds access opportunities, experiences and support.


This is one of the most effective ways to increase the impact of your Christmas giving.


Look our for more information coming soon

Fundraise for Children in Leeds

Fundraising is one of the most powerful ways to support vulnerable and disadvantaged children this Christmas.


Ideas include:

• Christmas Jumper Days

• Festive bake sales

• Sponsored challenges

• School fundraising events

• Workplace fundraising activities

• Community Christmas events


Every pound raised helps children access experiences that build confidence, resilience and hope.

Volunteer This Christmas

Looking for Christmas volunteering opportunities in Leeds?


Our festive activities depend on the generosity and commitment of local volunteers.


Whether you're interested in helping with:

• Gift collections

• Present wrapping

• Community events

• Fundraising activities

• Campaign support

Your time can make a genuine difference to local children.


Click to become a Volunteer

How Businesses Can Get Involved

Support Leeds Children's Charity as a Business

Businesses across Leeds and West Yorkshire can help transform lives through corporate fundraising, sponsorship and volunteering.


Whether you're planning:

• A staff fundraising campaign

• Christmas gift collections

• Team volunteering

• Payroll giving

• Charity partnerships

• Corporate sponsorship

Your organisation can play a powerful role in helping children thrive.


Partner With Us

Click to view more

Leeds to Lapland Challenge

This Christmas, we’re inviting organisations, businesses, schools, clubs and community members across Leeds to take on a magical challenge - travel the 1,338 mile distance from Leeds to Lapland, the official home of Santa Claus!


The challenge will run throughout December so you can participate at your own pace. As a virtual event, you can cover the distance however you like: walking, running, cycling, swimming or even gym classes. Every mile your team completes adds up and makes an incredible impact.


Click to find out more and get involved today

Together, We Can Make Christmas Count

This Christmas, every donation, every gift, every volunteer hour and every fundraising effort helps create brighter futures for children across Leeds.

By supporting Leeds Children’s Charity, you’re helping children experience joy, belonging, friendship, confidence and opportunity.

Because every child deserves more than a present. Every child deserves the chance to belong. Every child deserves the opportunity to thrive.

Donate Today and Help Ensure Poverty Doesn’t Define Childhood

Donate: Donate Today | Every Child Deserves Christmas Campaign – Leeds Children’s Charity
Support the Big Give Campaign: COMING SOON
Give a Gift: Christmas Gift Appeal Leeds 2026 – Leeds Children’s Charity
Volunteer: Volunteer with us – Leeds Children’s Charity
Fundraise: Fundraising For Charity – Leeds Children’s Charity
Partner as a Business: Make Us Your Charity Partner – Leeds Children’s Charity

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

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I help children in Leeds this Christmas?

You can donate to Leeds Children’s Charity, support the Big Give Campaign 1 – 8 December 2026, give a gift through our Christmas Gift Appeal, volunteer or organise a fundraiser.

What is the best way to support disadvantaged children at Christmas?

Making a financial donation provides the greatest flexibility, helping charities support children throughout the year while also funding Christmas activities and gift appeals.

Can businesses support the Christmas campaign?

Yes. Businesses can donate, sponsor activities, provide gifts, organise workplace fundraising and volunteer as a team.

What gifts are needed for the Christmas Gift Appeal?

We welcome new, unwrapped gifts suitable for babies, children, teenagers and young adults. Full details are available on our Gift List.