This Christmas, Worcester Business Improvement District (BID) and gift drive partner, Worcester Cathedral, invite businesses and residents to join the ‘Under the Tree’ Gift Drive—a heartwarming initiative designed to bring joy to local children and much-needed items to rough sleepers, collecting between the 23^rd of November and 16^th of December. With the support of Worcester’s vibrant business community and local charities ready to distribute donations, this campaign aims to spread smiles and share kindness throughout the festive season.

The ‘Under the Tree’ Gift Drive is a collaborative effort in partnership with Kinship and Maggs Day Centre, two remarkable, local charities dedicated to supporting vulnerable children and adults in Worcester. Every donation helps ensure that no one feels left out during the holiday season.

Sam McCarthy, CEO of Worcester BID, emphasised that the goal of this campaign is to bring smiles and essential items to people in our local area who are in need this December. “Every year thousands come to view the sparkling trees within the Cathedral cloisters bringing delight to visitors, however for many Christmas isn’t full of joy with eyes lighting up on Christmas morning. This year think about how we as a community can change what’s under the tree for many this year. Instead of Secret Santa with your colleagues, why not be a Secret Santa for a child in need who would be over the moon to receive a gift this Christmas or to support someone who has found themselves in a troubled position of rough sleeping, bring them warmth and essentials to help their day to day lives.”

Support Children in Need Through Kinship:
Donations for children will be distributed to kids facing challenging circumstances, such as those in care or emergency housing. These gifts can bring a sense of normality and joy to children experiencing a difficult time, creating a special day no matter where.

Provide Essential Items to Rough Sleepers Through Maggs:
Rough sleepers often face harsh conditions during the winter. Maggs Day Centre will distribute donated items to help provide warmth, comfort, and dignity to those without a home this Christmas.

How Can Your Business Can Help?
Instead of traditional gift exchanges or office Secret Santa activities, businesses are encouraged to organise a donation drive. By reimagining workplace festive gifting traditions, you can make a meaningful local impact and show support for the Worcester community.

Convenient Donation Points Across Worcester:
Drop off your contributions at one of the designated locations, making it easy for businesses, employees, and residents to participate.

To Donate a children’s gift (Children’s Gifts will be distributed to Kinship):

• • 1. Worcester Cathedral (8 College Yard: (Monday-Friday 10am-4pm at the welcome desk))
    2. Barclays Bank (54 High Street)
    3. The Studio (9 Trinity Street)
    4. Howden Insurance (gifts donated here will go to Cash for Kids)

To give a gift to rough sleepers (Gifts are distributed to Maggs):

• • 1. The Cardinal’s Hat (31 Friar Street)
    2. Maggs (59-60 The Tything)

What to Donate:

• For children, consider toys, books, and games that can bring cheer.
• For rough sleepers, practical items like warm clothing, blankets, toiletries, and non-perishable food are ideal. Find a helpful list of Maggs much-needed items at https://bit.ly/MaggsGifting.

Learn More About the Charities:
Visit the links below to discover more about how Kinship and Maggs are making a difference in our community:

• • Learn More About Kinship at www.kinshipcarersuk.com.
  • Learn More About Maggs at www.maggsdaycentre.co.uk.

With the combined efforts of Worcester’s businesses, charities, and residents, the ‘Under the Tree’ Gift Drive is set to make this Christmas unforgettable for many. Together, we can turn small gestures into big smiles and ensure that everyone feels the warmth of the festive season.

So, join us in spreading joy locally this Christmas and become a holiday hero by donating to one of the local drop-off points between the 23^rd of November and the 16^th of December.

Download the brand pack here to get started on social media and spread the word about your involvement with the gift drive!