Mansfield’s Secret Santa campaign officially launches with ambitious plans to reach more families

The Appeal, in partnership with Mansfield Building Society and Mansfield BID, is taking place for the fourth year in a row and sees donations of new and unused presents dropped off at various locations around the district for children of all ages and their adult carers.

Members of the public can donate a range of gifts, including toys, board games, colouring books, hats and scarves, chocolates, biscuits, bath sets, books, male grooming sets, pyjamas, and socks. The items must be new and unused for health and safety purposes.

Elected Mayor Andy Abrahams said the appeal will provide a much-needed respite for hard-pressed families due to the ongoing cost of living crisis.

“Christmas, although for some it is an exciting time of year to look forward to, for many families it is a time of year they dread trying to find money for gifts and other expenses, on top of their already pressed budgets,” he said.

“I am pleased the council and our partners have united to bring this appeal together for a fourth year, aiming to reach even more local families than ever before.

“I would encourage our residents and businesses to donate whatever they can, big or small, to the appeal to help ensure every child across Mansfield has something to open on Christmas Day.”

The Mayor is also supporting the Secret Santa Appeal with a personal donation of £500 from his Mayor’s 500 Fund.

The presents, once collated, will be distributed through Mansfield Children’s Centre Service, schools and Family Action FOOD Clubs to families and people in need in time for Christmas.

Mansfield Building Society has joined the council to launch the scheme for a second successive year.

Vickie Preston, Mansfield Building Society Head of Human Resources, said: “Mansfield Building Society are extremely proud and excited to be working on the Secret Santa appeal alongside Mansfield District Council for the second year and Mansfield BID for the first time.

“We look forward to being able to reach even more Mansfield families in 2023. Please get behind this campaign and help us support vulnerable families in Mansfield.”

Mansfield Business Improvement District (BID), who have worked collaboratively with the council on various events and initiatives, including more recently Party on the Market, the upcoming Big Switch On, and Clean Up Action Days, have confirmed that they will be supporting the appeal for the first time.

Chief Executive of Mansfield BID, Jay Rowlinson, said: “Mansfield BID is very excited to be part of the Secret Santa Appeal this year. It’s a fantastic initiative and extremely worthwhile.”

On Portland Retail Park, Smyth's have supported the Secret Santa Appeal since the beginning and again pledged their support with a donation and discount off the council’s annual shop for the appeal.

Manager Wayne Leatherland added: “At Smyths Toys, we regularly see the smiles on children’s faces when they get the toy they want for Christmas or birthdays. So, without hesitation, we wanted to support the Secret Santa Appeal every year so every child can experience the magic of opening up a present on Christmas Day.

“Our team loves helping parents and families find the gift that will make Christmas magical for their children.”

Donations can be dropped off until Monday 4 December, at the following locations:

· Old Town Hall, Mansfield Market Place

· Civic Corner café, Chesterfield Road South

· Mansfield Civic Centre, Chesterfield Road South

· Four Seasons Shopping Centre (from Monday 13 November, after the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal ends), Quaker Way

· Ravensdale Children’s Centre, Sanders Avenue

· Mansfield Woodhouse Children’s Centre, Swan Lane

· Ladybrook Children’s Centre, Somersall Street

· Warsop Children’s Centre, Church Street

· Mansfield Museum, Leeming Street

· Smyths Toys, Portland Retail Park, Mansfield

If a business or charity would like to host a collection area in the district, please email [email protected], and we will send you the promotional materials and collection box.

To keep up to date with all activities and events happening through Mansfield in the run-up to Christmas, visit www.mansfield.gov.uk/christmas.