Help make Christmas special for local children by supporting the Santa Appeal
Wednesday 28 October 2026
Residents and businesses across Bridgend County Borough are being encouraged to spread some festive cheer by supporting this year’s Santa Appeal.
Following the success of last year’s appeal, which raised over £11,869.13, Bridgend County Borough Council’s Social Services and Wellbeing department is once again coordinating the annual initiative, working alongside the Domestic Abuse Service to help ensure that vulnerable children and young people across the county borough have a gift to open on Christmas morning.
Monetary donations are particularly welcome, allowing organisers to purchase suitable gifts for children and young people from birth to 21 years of age.
Individuals and businesses can donate online through Awen’s Just Giving page. Workplaces, community groups and organisation can also get involved by organising fundraising activities, such as bake sales or sponsored events.
Anyone wishing to donate a gift can drop off a new, unwrapped present in a giftbag at one of the following locations from: Monday 23 November to Thursday 3 December 2026:
• Civic Offices
• Bridgend Life Centre
• Pyle Library
• Maesteg Library
• Porthcawl Library
• Pencoed Library
• Aberkenfig Library
Library opening hours are available on the Awen website.
Once collected, volunteers will sort and wrap the donated gifts, ready for distribution to children and young people across the county borough.
The deadline for monetary donations is Friday 11 December 2026.
““While many of us look forward to the festive season, we recognise that Christmas can be a difficult and stressful time for some families, particularly with ongoing financial pressures. Many families across our county borough will benefit from a little extra support this winter. Our annual Santa Appeal helps bring comfort and joy to children and young people who might otherwise have nothing to wake up to on Christmas morning. We are incredibly grateful to our hardworking teams in social services, our generous local communities and our partners at Awen Cultural Trust for their continued support of this important appeal. If you can spare a small donation or add an extra gift to your shopping list this year, please consider giving to help make Christmas brighter for local children.”
