Mansfield’s Secret Santa Appeal has launched, aiming to help ensure families in need have a Christmas to remember.

The Mansfield District Council appeal has been running annually since 2020 with Mansfield Building Society and Smyths Toys Superstore joining the appeal in 2021 and Mansfield BID joining in 2023.

Last year saw more than 1,200 donations which allowed hundreds of children of all ages and their adult carers a guaranteed gift to open on Christmas Day.

The launch today will  see leaflets distributed to members of the public in the town centre giving details of what people can donate this year and where to leave gifts.

Mayor Andy Abrahams said: “The cost of living continues to be very challenging for many families but I know how caring local people are and I am sure they will want to reach out to make sure no child misses out this Christmas.

“As with all the Christmas in Mansfield activities this year, we are indebted to the generosity of our partners and business community in supporting this appeal in any way they can.

“Christmas is a time of goodwill and nothing makes me feel more proud in achieving this community spirit than the people of this district. We hope to make this the best Secret Santa Appeal yet.”

A range of items can be gifted to the appeal including toys, board games, clothing, colouring books, hats and scarves, chocolates, biscuits, male grooming sets, pyjamas, socks and bath sets. The items must be new and unused for health and safety purposes.

Drop-off locations can be found at:
•    Civic Centre Cafe
•    Mansfield Museum
•    Mansfield Building Society
•    Smyths Toys – Portland Retail Park
•    Ravensdale Children’s Centre
•    Warsop Children’s Centre
•    Ladybrook Children’s Centre
•    Mansfield Woodhouse Children’s Centre
•    Four Seasons Shopping Centre (from Tuesday 12 November 2024).

The appeal will end on Sunday, 8th December, after which the donations will be organised into ages and categories and shared to children’s centres, food clubs, refuges, schools, charities, from where they will be distributed to families in time for Christmas.

Find out more about Christmas in Mansfield at: www.mansfield.gov.uk/christmasinmansfield