2020 Christmas present appeal for vulnerable children more important than ever

Today sees the launch of the annual Buckinghamshire Christmas present appeal, run this year for the first time by the new Buckinghamshire Council as part of it’s ‘Helping Hand’ community support initiative. And with the difficulties and disruption caused by coronavirus, the need for this popular seasonal campaign is greater than ever.

Now in its sixth year, the annual present appeal brings together council employees, councillors, and local communities in a massive drive to get presents to children and young people who otherwise might not receive that much at Christmas.

Unlike previous years, because of the national coronavirus restrictions that are in place during November, this year we’re not asking people to bring gifts to our council offices. Instead, there’s a new Just Giving web page through which supporters can donate  to a fund which will then be used to purchase gifts.

www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/buckinghamshirecouncilchristmasappeal2020

But for those people who would prefer to select a gift themselves, presents can be bought online and delivered by the store to:

Christmas Present Appeal
Buckinghamshire Council
The Gateway
Gatehouse Road
Aylesbury
Bucks HP19 8FF

Buckinghamshire Council Cabinet Member for Children’s Services Mark Shaw – who has also been known to double up as Santa in the lead-up to the festive season – said: “Now that the five former local authorities in Buckinghamshire have become one, we can work more closely than ever and hopefully surpass even the amazing results of last year’s appeal – because with the anxieties and pressures brought about by Covid-19, our less fortunate children and young people are more in need of Christmas cheer than ever.”

Cllr Paul Irwin – aka Santa’s Little Helper – added: “So here’s a call to our council colleagues, and people throughout our communities, to really pull out the stops and get more presents than ever to children and young people. But so that we can all be safe, this year’s Christmas appeal is focusing on our Just Giving page, which will allow Santa’s elves to use your donation to make sure there are suitable gifts for all those who need them, including older children and young people leaving the council’s care.

“However, I know some people really enjoy selecting the gift that a child or young person will receive – so if you’d prefer to order online, you can have your selected gift delivered to the Council’s Gateway Offices in Aylesbury.”

Visit the appeal on Facebook: www.facebook.com/events/660257581326951