Leeds Charity Launches Christmas Campaign to Support Children in Poverty
October 20, 2026Community appeal aims to help disadvantaged children across Leeds this festive season
With one in four children in Leeds living in poverty, many families face significant financial challenges during the Christmas period. Leeds Children’s Charity has launched its Every Child Deserves Christmas Campaign for 2026, aiming to provide support and opportunities for children who might otherwise miss out on festive celebrations and positive experiences.
Campaign objectives and support offered
The campaign seeks to engage the local community across Leeds and Yorkshire to contribute in various ways, including donations, volunteering, fundraising, and gift-giving. The charity emphasises that children deserve more than just presents; they deserve the chance to belong, participate, build confidence, and create lasting positive memories.
Donations to the campaign help fund a range of activities and opportunities for disadvantaged children throughout the year, such as:
- Outdoor learning experiences
- Residential breaks and respite
- Confidence-building activities
- Social connections and friendship development
- Adventure and exploration
- Positive childhood memories
- Experiences that inspire hope and ambition
The charity highlights that these activities contribute to children’s wellbeing and help them thrive beyond their immediate circumstances.
Christmas Gift Appeal and community involvement
Alongside fundraising and donations, the charity is collecting new, unwrapped gifts for children and young people who may otherwise wake up without a present on Christmas Day. Gifts are welcomed for a broad age range, including:
- Babies and toddlers
- Primary school-aged children
- Teenagers
- Young adults
Supporters are encouraged to participate in the Big Give Christmas Challenge, where eligible donations made during the campaign period may be doubled, increasing the impact of contributions.
Volunteering and business partnerships
The campaign also calls for volunteers to assist with activities such as gift collections, present wrapping, community events, fundraising, and campaign support. Businesses in Leeds and West Yorkshire can contribute through corporate fundraising, sponsorship, team volunteering, payroll giving, and charity partnerships.
Virtual challenge to engage the community
As part of the campaign, the charity is organising a virtual challenge inviting participants to collectively travel the 1,338 miles from Leeds to Lapland, the official home of Santa Claus. Participants can complete the distance through walking, running, cycling, swimming, or gym activities at their own pace throughout December.
How to get involved
- Donate to support children’s activities and Christmas gifts
- Give a new, unwrapped gift suitable for children and young people
- Volunteer for festive events and activities
- Organise or participate in fundraising events
- Businesses can partner through fundraising, sponsorship, and volunteering
Leeds Children’s Charity stresses that every contribution helps create brighter futures by providing children with opportunities to build confidence, make friends, and enjoy positive experiences.
Further information
Details about the campaign, including how to donate, volunteer, give gifts, and participate in fundraising or business partnerships, are available on the Leeds Children’s Charity website.
