Croydon BID and Centrale & Whitgift partner to grow the town’s 'Giving Tree' gift appeal

Croydon BID and Centrale & Whitgift partner to grow the town’s ‘Giving Tree’ gift appeal

This festive season, Croydon is uniting to spread kindness and joy through the Giving Tree Appeal, supporting children and families helped by Reedham Children’s Trust.

Running from 29 November to 24 December 2025, the much-loved community initiative invites residents, shoppers, and local businesses to donate thoughtful gifts that will make a real difference to those in need.

Founded by Centrale & Whitgift in partnership with Reedham Children’s Trust, the appeal captures the true spirit of giving – encouraging everyone to play Secret Santa and brighten a young person’s Christmas.

This year, Croydon Business Improvement District (BID) has joined forces with Centrale & Whitgift to expand the appeal beyond the shopping centres and into the wider town centre.

For the first time, ten local businesses and organisations will host their own Giving Trees, creating even more opportunities for residents, visitors, and employees to take part in this much-loved Croydon tradition.

Building on the success of last year’s campaign, which saw over 700 gifts donated, the 2025 appeal aims to reach even more children and families across the borough.

How it Works:

Pick a tag from any Giving Tree.
Buy a suitable gift for the child or young person described.
Return the unwrapped gift to the donation box next to the tree.

All donations are collected by Reedham Children’s Trust, a Croydon-based charity providing early-intervention support to help children and young people thrive at home and in education.

Where to Find the Giving Trees

The Giving Trees will be hosted at both Centrale (Ground Floor Mall, next to the Grotto) and Whitgift (opposite River Island), as well as partner venues across Croydon, including:

Leonardo Hotel – Wellesley Rd, CR0 9XY
The Green Dragon – 58–60 High St, CR0 1NA
The Ludoquist Café – 63–67 High St, CR0 1QE
Crown & Pepper – 242 High St, CR0 1NF

A number of local employers are also supporting the initiative internally, encouraging staff to donate. Participating organisations include Superdrug Head Office, AMP House, 69 Park Lane, Allianz, and more.

Following the success of last year’s appeal – which saw over 700 gifts donated – the 2025 campaign aims to surpass that milestone by extending participation across Croydon’s business and visitor community.

For many, Christmas is a time of excitement and joy – a chance to come together with friends and family, to share gifts and create lasting memories. But for some, it can be a difficult time, with many children going without. The Croydon Christmas Giving Tree Appeal invites our community to spread kindness and bring a little magic to those who need it most. This year, we’re proud to extend the initiative across Croydon town centre’s business community, helping to bring the joy of Christmas to even more children. In partnership with Reedham Children’s Trust, we hope everyone will join us in giving back. Simply visit one of the Giving Tree locations across Croydon and donate a gift to help make this Christmas brighter for every child.

Matthew Sims, Chief Executive of Croydon BID

For over seven years, the Giving Tree Appeal has touched countless lives in Croydon, turning small acts of generosity into moments of real magic for children and families. This year, we’re thrilled to be partnering with Croydon BID to expand the appeal across the town centre, creating even more opportunities for the community to get involved. Every gift donated sends a message that our community cares and that no child should be forgotten at Christmas. We hope even more people will join us this year in giving back and making a lasting difference.

Dominique Stagg, Marketing and Events Manager for Centrale & Whitgift

Each gift donated represents more than just a present – it’s a message of kindness and care to a child who might be struggling this Christmas. Thanks to Centrale & Whitgift and Croydon BID, the Giving Tree Appeal is growing its magic even further, helping us reach more families across Croydon than ever before.

Sarah Burns, CEO, Reedham Children’s Trust and CVA

For more information on how to get involved, visit https://croydonbid.com/whats-on/the-giving-tree-appeal-2025/ or follow @CheckoutCroydon and @CentraleWhitgift for updates.

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