26 Oct 2026
Cottonmill Community and Cycle Centre is calling on residents and businesses to help make sure no child goes without this Christmas, as it launches its festive appeal for 2026 in partnership with local CIC LeeAnna’s Wish.
The centre, which is managed by leisure operator Everyone Active, is collecting children’s gifts and long-life food for Christmas hampers, to be distributed to local families facing hardship.
Last year’s appeal passed more than 230 gifts, and organisers are hoping to reach even more families this time round.
Donations are being collected at the centre until Monday December 14. A Christmas Giving Tree has also been set up, inviting members of the public, businesses and community groups to choose a tag and buy a gift for a child, or contribute towards food hampers.
General manager Jason Lombard said: “One of the things that stood out most from last year was hearing how much of a difference the donations made. Every gift and every act of kindness helped someone in our community feel remembered at Christmas.
“We’re incredibly proud to be working with LeeAnna’s Wish again, and this year we’re hoping to make the appeal bigger and better than ever. We’d encourage anyone who can help to get involved.”
Antoinette Strachan, social worker and director of LeeAnna’s Wish CIC added: “The support we received from the community last year was overwhelming. Thanks to local residents, businesses, schools and community organisations, we were able to support families and children who may otherwise have gone without.
“Christmas can be a particularly difficult time for many families, with parents worrying about how they will afford food and other essentials. We want to make sure more children wake up to a warm home on Christmas morning and more families have food on the table.
“Volunteer Keely Plaats has been taking the lead on this appeal alongside Jason. Every donation, regardless of size, makes a difference. Whether somebody donates a gift, contributes food, supports the appeal through their workplace or simply helps spread the word, they are helping bring hope and joy to local families.”
Support is welcome from individuals, businesses, schools, sports clubs, faith groups and community organisations across St Albans and Hertfordshire.
Gifts should be new and, where possible, wrapped and clearly labelled with the age range and whether they suit a boy or a girl.
Donations can be dropped off at Cottonmill Community & Cycle Centre, Cottonmill Lane, St Albans AL1 2EF.
