Croydon comes together to make Christmas brighter
This Christmas, Croydon is coming together to make a difference as the Giving Tree Appeal returns — bigger and brighter than ever before!
Running from 29 November to 24 December 2025, the much-loved initiative invites the local community to donate gifts for vulnerable children and families supported by Reedham Children’s Trust.
Founded by Centrale & Whitgift in partnership with Reedham Children’s Trust, the appeal brings the true spirit of Christmas to life by encouraging visitors to play Secret Santa and share kindness with families in need across Croydon.
A Growing Partnership Across Croydon
This year, Croydon Business Improvement District (BID) has joined forces with Centrale & Whitgift to expand the Giving Tree Appeal beyond the shopping centres and into the wider town centre.
For the first time, ten local businesses and organisations will host Giving Trees of their own — creating even more opportunities for residents, visitors, and employees to take part in this much-loved community tradition.
Together, we’re aiming to build on the success of last year’s campaign, which saw over 700 gifts donated, and make an even greater impact in 2025.
How It Works
Taking part is simple:
- Pick a tag from any of the Giving Trees.
- Buy a suitable gift for the child or young person described.
- Return the unwrapped gift to the Giving Tree donation box.
All gifts will be collected by Reedham Children’s Trust, a Croydon-based charity providing vital early-intervention support to children and young people who are struggling to thrive in education or family life.
Where to Find the Giving Trees
The Giving Trees will be located at:
🎄 Centrale – Ground Floor Mall, next to the Grotto🎄 The Whitgift – Opposite River Island
…and across the town centre at selected partner venues, 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 businesses are also supporting the initiative internally — encouraging staff to donate and share the festive spirit. Participating organisations include Superdrug Head Office, AMP House (69 Park Lane), Allianz, and others.
Join In – Make a Difference This Christmas
Every gift counts. Whether you’re a shopper, local resident, or business, your contribution helps bring comfort and joy to a child who might otherwise go without.
Find your nearest Giving Tree, pick a tag, and make a difference.
“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