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Mon, 02 Nov 2026

Mon, 02 Nov 2026 Christmas donations gift demand up, charities say

Charities collecting Christmas presents for struggling families say demand has gone up.

* The Chard Christmas Present Appeal reported a high-than-normal demand this year and blamed it on people struggling financially.
* Founder Martyna Lee said charities are receiving more referrals, but fewer donations, because of the cost-of-living crisis.
* Lee mentioned that some families were worried about affording presents for their children due to financial struggles and had "tears in their eyes" when the charity could help them.
* The Chard Christmas Present Appeal relies on donations and receives no funding.
* Taunton's charity appeal, Christmas Sparkle, reported a sharp increase in demand over the last few years, with 500 presents given out in 2015 to 10,000 last year.