Santa’s Little Stars 2026: Every Child Deserves a Little Christmas Magic 

Santa’s Little Stars is back for 2026, and we couldn’t be more excited. Our Christmas campaign runs from Saturday 24th October to Friday 4th December, once again in partnership with The Darwin shopping centre in Shrewsbury. 

Every child deserves to feel the magic of Christmas morning. But for many families across Shropshire, the challenges of everyday life mean that gifts, and the joy they bring, are out of reach. Santa’s Little Stars makes sure children from birth to age 17 who might otherwise go without still have a present to open on Christmas Day. We also extend this care to pregnant women, so they receive a thoughtful gift at Christmas too. 

A campaign built by our community 

Since launching in 2020, Santa’s Little Stars has grown into a truly community-led initiative. Thanks to the generosity of residents, businesses and organisations, our volunteer elves have wrapped more than 8,100 presents for 2,178 children, working alongside 40 organisations to make sure gifts reach those who need them most. 

Last year was our biggest yet. We helped more than 700 children across Shropshire, and thanks to your incredible support, we were able to give many children more than one present. That meant a little extra magic on Christmas morning for families right across the county. 

Why it matters this year 

Many families are still facing real financial pressure, and we expect demand for support to stay high this Christmas. Working closely with our referral partners, we identify the families who need help most, so that no child is left without a gift. 

Leanne Farlie, founder and CEO of Little Stars, said: 

“Christmas should be magical for every child. With your support, we hope to bring a little Christmas magic to the children referred to us this year.” 

How you can help 

Donate a gift. We’re asking for new, unwrapped toys and gifts in their original packaging. You can drop them off at: 

Please make sure gifts reach us by Friday 4th December, so we have time to sort them before our wrapping days. 

Not sure what to buy? Our campaign pack has gift ideas for every age, from musical toys and board books for babies to games, books and arts and crafts for primary-age children, and toiletry sets, drinks bottles and gift cards for teenagers. Older children are often the hardest to buy for, so gifts for teens are always especially welcome. Wrapping paper, Sellotape and sticker gift tags are a huge help too. 

For safety reasons, we can’t accept shavers, guns or war-themed toys, or anything that could be used as a weapon. 

Donate online. If you’d rather give money, you can donate through our Santa’s Little Stars JustGiving page: justgiving.com/campaign/santaslittlestars2026. Donations will be used to source any gifts we’re short of, and anything left over will go towards our core work supporting families throughout the year. The page stays open until 18th December. 

Get your workplace, school or group involved 

Some of our biggest collections come from teams working together. Last year, businesses including Shuker, Lanyon Bowdler, Pipekit, Aico, Samuel Wood, Komplex, Mott MacDonald and V & D inspired their staff and customers to get behind the campaign. Here are a few ways you can join in: 

If you’re getting involved, we’d love to hear about it. Email Corporate@littlestarscharity.org to let us know what you’re planning, or if you have any questions. 

Thank you to The Darwin 

We’re delighted that The Darwin shopping centre is supporting Santa’s Little Stars again this year, hosting our collection points and encouraging shoppers and retailers to get involved. 

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