09 Jan 2026
A staggering number of Christmas presents were donated to children, teenagers and families in need following a highly successful festive appeal led by Cottonmill Community & Cycle Centre in partnership with LeeAnna’s Wish.
The appeal, which ran throughout the lead-up to Christmas, saw an outpouring of generosity from local residents, businesses and volunteers, with more than 230 presents receiving helping to ensure hundreds of children across St Albans received a gift on Christmas morning.
The centre, managed by leisure operator Everyone Active, acted as the hub for collecting, wrapping, sorting and distributing donations, with the help of Leeanna’s Wish’s team of volunteers.
Gifts were delivered to a wide range of local organisations and families, including food banks, local schools, family support services and community partners. Children attending LeeAnna’s Wish stay and play session also received presents, while additional gift bags were prepared for families facing hardship.
Donations reached Alban City School and the local Family Centre as well as a local family supporting a young boy receiving treatment at Great Ormond Street Hospital.
The donations also included bikes, with one given to the Disability Sport Fund and another set aside for a local child in need. The centre said it would be happy to hear from anyone who is aware of a child or family who could benefit from receiving the bike.
Jason Lombard, general manager at Cottonmill Community & Cycle Centre, said: “We were overwhelmed by the response to the Christmas appeal, with more than 230 presents donated. It was a real team effort, and we’re grateful to everyone who gave their time or donated to help families who needed some extra support at Christmas.”
LeeAnna’s Wish CEO Shelley Hayles added: “We would also thank to all the volunteers that gave up their time to help wrap and distribute the presents and GoodsForGoodsUK for their donations.”
