Leeds City Council Extends Thanks for Christmas Gift Donations

The initial Christmas presents have been distributed as part of a Leeds City Council campaign designed to encourage businesses to collect gifts for families facing hardship. In 2023, the Child Friendly Leeds scheme facilitated the distribution of gifts valued at £18,600 to more than 2,100 children and young people across the city. As this year’s distribution efforts commenced, over 100 presents were handed out at a fair held at Gipton’s Old Fire Station, following contributions from staff at First Direct. Helen Hayden from Leeds City Council expressed her gratitude, stating: “I’d just like to give my heartfelt thanks to all the businesses who have generously donated to help bring much-needed festive cheer.” Fran Etherington, development manager at the Old Fire Station, commented: “With so many of our families living in poverty in this area, people are very limited in what gifts they can afford – and some cannot buy any at all.” The North Leeds schools group 2gether Cluster is one of the organizations that provides donated presents to families in need. Leader Colette Kurylo mentioned that the scheme helped to alleviate stress for parents and carers. She said: “We know in the past it’s definitely provided gifts to children who would otherwise have gone without and they’ve been able to go to school after Christmas and tell all their friends about their new toys and treats.” Kurylo added: “We don’t have any funding to be able to do this kind of thing, so it’s really lovely to be part of this initiative and hand out such thoughtful presents to the children.” Park Square Barristers is also among the organizations participating, having offered 100 gifts. Richard Sadler, senior managing clerk, stated: “Our barristers and staff take great pride in providing personalised gifts to support families in Leeds.” He continued: “There is a real excitement in the chambers when all the gifts pile up ready to be collected by the Child Friendly Leeds elves.” Presents have also been donated by Trinity Leeds, White Rose Shopping Centre, Lloyds Banking Group, Grammar School at Leeds and Leeds Rhinos.