Age UK Leicester Shire & Rutland is delighted to announce the return of its festive campaign Make Way for Santa – back for a second year to help ensure no family misses out on the magic of Christmas.
The local charity is once again calling on local residents to donate pre-loved toys and gifts ahead of the festive season, so families struggling with the cost-of-living crisis can celebrate with affordable presents. Last year, the initiative tackled a common challenge: donations often flood in after Christmas, when many families have already missed the opportunity to shop second-hand. By encouraging people to clear out toys and gifts before Santa arrives, Age UK Leicester Shire & Rutland helped spread joy to families who otherwise might have gone without.
It’s predicted the need is greater than ever this festive season. In 2024, 41% of UK adults reported worrying about how to afford Christmas gifts, with over half planning to cut back on presents. Shopping in Age UK charity shops offers families a budget-friendly way to celebrate, while also promoting sustainable living.
Nicola Norris, Head of Retail at Age UK Leicester Shire & Rutland, said: “We were overwhelmed by the incredible response to our campaign last year. We saw donors as young as three ‘make way for Santa’ by giving away toys they’d outgrown so other children could have the Christmas they dreamed of. This year we want to go even bigger, helping more families and spreading more festive magic. Most of us have unused gifts tucked away – toys played with once and items gathering dust. By donating them, you can give those gifts a second life and bring joy to another family.”
The campaign highlights the multi-generational impact of giving. Donations not only ensure children wake up to the magic of Christmas but also support the charity’s wider work, including loneliness prevention programmes for older people across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.
Donations can be dropped off at any of Age UK Leicester Shire & Rutland’s 29 charity shops. A full list of locations and opening times is available here: https://www.ageuk.org.uk/leics/shops/. UK taxpayers are also encouraged to Gift Aid their donations, allowing the charity to claim an extra 25% from the Government at no additional cost. Help make Christmas magical for everyone – clear out, donate, and make way for Santa today.