Led by Centrale & Whitgift in partnership with Croydon BID, Reedham Children’s Trust, and Croydon Voluntary Action (CVA), the Giving Tree Appeal brought together residents, shoppers, workers and businesses throughout December, all united by a shared goal: spreading joy to local children during the festive season.

With the support of Croydon BID, the Giving Tree initiative expanded beyond Centrale & Whitgift Shopping Centres and into the wider town centre for the first time, creating more opportunities than ever for people to get involved.

Twelve local businesses and organisations hosted their own Giving Trees, extending the reach of the appeal to town centre venues including Leonardo Hotel, The Green Dragon, The Ludoquist Café and Crown & Pepper.

Alongside them, local employers such as Superdrug Head Office, AMP House, Allianz, TBXH Sunley House, Interchange, 2 Ruskin Square and London South Bank University encouraged staff and visitors to donate.

Contributions from Croydon BID businesses accounted for over 70% of all donated gifts, highlighting the strong support of local companies during the festive period.

The impact of this generosity was felt far and wide. Gifts were distributed to children in care, those with additional needs, families facing poverty or bereavement, and children spending Christmas in hospitals or safe houses – ensuring every child received at least one gift to open on Christmas morning.

All donated gifts were distributed by Reedham Children’s Trust and CVA, to schools, food banks and community support services across Croydon. Recipients included Legacy Youth Zone, Majestic Community Services, Torch Light Community, Reaching Higher, London Ambulance Service, Croydon Council, Floating Counselling, Bright Futures for All, Be Inspired Youth & Community CIC and Ascent Fostering Agency, alongside several primary, secondary and specialist schools.

A heartfelt thank you goes to everyone who made the 2025 Giving Tree Appeal such a success – from the local businesses who hosted Giving Trees, to the charities and community organisations who supported distribution, and to every resident, visitor and employee who donated so generously.

Croydon BID, Centrale & Whitgift, Reedham Children’s Trust and CVA, look forward to building on this success and growing the Giving Tree Appeal even further in 2026.