Christmas Wishes GIVING TREE Toy Appeal
Each year, the generous people of Burgess Hill come together to make sure local families in financial hardship can give their children a Christmas morning to remember.
How the appeal works
From October through to mid-December, we collect new and unwrapped toys, gifts, and food donations. You can donate through our Giving Tree, our Amazon wish list, or one of our drop-off points. We then work with local schools, community groups, and referral partners to identify families who need support — and deliver everything to their door before Christmas.
Visit the Giving Tree at 197 Maple Drive
Our centrepiece is a 10-foot Christmas tree in the front garden of 197 Maple Drive, Burgess Hill. Gift tags hang on the tree — each one represents a specific child and the gift they'd love. Simply choose a tag, buy that present new and unwrapped, then bring the tag and the toy back. The gift goes directly to that child.
Or shop our Amazon wish list
Can't make it to the Giving Tree? You can browse and buy gifts directly from our Amazon wish list — everything is chosen with the children in mind and delivered straight to us.
Donate a toy or gift
Drop off a new, unwrapped toy or gift at one of our collection points around Burgess Hill. Suitable for children of all ages — from babies to teenagers.
Donate food for Christmas dinner
We collect non-perishable food items to help families put a proper Christmas dinner on the table. Tinned vegetables, stuffing, Christmas pudding, biscuits — everything helps.
Families are referred to us
Local schools, health visitors, and community organisations refer families who are struggling. Every family is treated with dignity and care.
We deliver before Christmas
Our volunteers pack and deliver gift boxes and food parcels to every referred family before Christmas Eve, so they can enjoy the magic of Christmas morning.
What to donate
We welcome new, unwrapped gifts for children of all ages. Here are some ideas:
Babies & toddlers (0–3)
Soft toys, board books, bath toys, sensory toys
Young children (4–8)
Arts and crafts, puzzles, games, dolls, action figures, books
Older children (9–13)
Board games, sports equipment, books, art sets, LEGO
Teenagers (14+)
Gift cards, books, beauty sets, headphones, games
Food donations
Tinned goods, Christmas treats, biscuits, chocolates, stuffing, puddings
Drop-off points
Collection boxes are available at various locations across Burgess Hill from October each year. Follow us on social media for the latest drop-off locations, or get in touch to find your nearest point.
Can't make it to a drop-off point? We can arrange collection for larger donations — just get in touch.
Ready to donate?
Every gift makes a real difference. Get in touch to find your nearest drop-off point, arrange a collection, or find out how else you can help.