Report by Duncan Williams for Pulman's Weekly News
The Chard Christmas Present Appeal is returning for its eighth year, helping families facing financial hardship to ensure their children have presents to open on Christmas morning.
A partnership between Lord’s Larder, Chard Community Hub and South Chard Hub, the appeal collects new toys and gifts for children and young people aged from birth to 18.
The presents are distributed to local families referred to the scheme through schools, community organisations and support services.
Last year’s appeal supported more than 250 children, thanks to the generosity of people in Chard and the surrounding area. Organisers are hoping for similar support this year, particularly as the rising cost of living continues to put pressure on household budgets.
Appeal founder Martyna Lee said: “The people of Chard and the surrounding area have really got behind this appeal every year, and we hope that this will happen again for Christmas 2026.
“The donations make a huge difference to local families, making sure that children have gifts to wake up to on Christmas morning.”
As well as providing presents, the appeal also supplies families with wrapping paper, allowing parents to enjoy the experience of preparing their children’s gifts for Christmas.
This year’s wrapping paper has been funded through a generous donation from residents of Victoria Court, who organised fundraising activities including cake sales, jumble sales and nail painting.
Megan Parfoot, Early Years Lead at Chard Community Hub, said: “We’re so grateful to Victoria Court, who worked incredibly hard to fundraise with cake and jumble sales, and even by painting nails!
“The grant for wrapping paper makes such a difference to the appeal, meaning that any money we raise can be spent on gifts.”
Martyna said financial donations were particularly important in helping to fill gaps in the gifts received, especially for teenagers.
“We find that there are sometimes gaps in the items donated, particularly for teenagers, and we have to purchase gifts to make up for the shortfall.
“Any financial contributions are appreciated and very much needed to make sure we have enough gifts for all. We never turn a family referral away.”
There are several ways for local residents and businesses to support this year’s appeal.
New, unwrapped toys and gifts for children and young people aged up to 18 can be donated at Chard Community Hub and Forefront Community Centre until Friday, 27th November.
Financial donations can be made through the appeal’s GoFundMe fundraising page.
There is also an Amazon Wish List, allowing supporters to purchase items that will be delivered directly to the organisers.
The volunteer team is hoping the community will once again get behind the appeal and help bring some Christmas magic to local families.
For more information, or to find out how to support the Chard Christmas Present Appeal, email a.chardlordslarder@gmail.com
( Photo: Chard Community Hub 📸 )