Support a local child this Christmas by donating to the Santa Appeal

Residents and businesses throughout Bridgend County Borough are being invited to help bring joy to vulnerable children and young people this Christmas by supporting the Santa Appeal.

After last year’s remarkable success, Bridgend County Borough Council’s Social Services and Wellbeing department is once again coordinating the annual fundraising appeal, collecting toys and gifts for those who may not otherwise wake up to a present on Christmas morning.

Cash donations are preferred for the purchase of suitable presents for children and young people from birth to 21 years of age. It could even be a team fundraising effort, by holding a cake sale at your workplace, or a sponsored walk. Making a donation is simple, you can give online at Awen’s Just Giving page.

If you would prefer to give a gift donation, please deliver your new gift, which must be unwrapped in a gift bag to the following designated drop-off points between Monday 24 November and Friday 4 December 2025:

• Civic Offices, Bridgend
• Pyle Library
• Maesteg Library
• Porthcawl Library
• Pencoed Library
• Aberkenfig Library

Library opening hours can be found on the Awen website.

Volunteers will once again sort the gifts into appropriate age groups and wrap them ready for delivery to the homes of children and young people across the county borough. 

The Just Giving page for the Santa Appeal will close on Friday 12 December 2025.

Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Social Services and Health, Councillor Jane Gebbie said: “While lots of us look forward to the festive season, for many families Christmas can be sad and stressful time, alongside the cost of living challenges and other financial pressures. There is a great deal of families in our county borough who will benefit from our support this winter.

“Our annual Santa Appeal brings comfort and joy to children and young people who might not have anything to wake up to on Christmas Day without our help. We are grateful to our hardworking teams in social services, and our partners at Awen Cultural Trust for again supporting this essential 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.”