Christmas Appeal 2025

Spreading joy, warmth, and hope across our community

For the past 3 years, the Rotary Christmas Appeal has brought festive cheer to those who need it most:

 230 hampers delivered to the elderly and vulnerable

 170 community gift bags for those spending Christmas alone

3,000 presents gifted to children across Sidmouth

This was made possible through the incredible support of local businesses, schools, churches, the foodbank, and our County, District, and Town Councils. Together, we’ve shown what community spirit can achieve.

Our Vision

To ensure that no one in Sidmouth feels forgotten at Christmas. Whether it’s a warm meal, a thoughtful gift, or a simple act of kindness, we’re committed to reaching those who need it most.

How You Can Help

We’re continuing the appeal in 2025 and invite you to support us by donating:

Food items for festive hampers,  Presents for children (ages 0–18), Monetary donations to help us purchase essentials and gift vouchers

Gift Ideas for Children

We welcome new, age-appropriate gifts for boys and girls from birth to 18 years old.  Below are some suggestions:

Boys

•  0–3: Teddy bears, cot mobiles, baby clothes, nursery rhyme CDs, puzzles, books

•  3–5: Action figures, toy cars/lorries, DVDs, colouring sets, pencils, crayons, books

• 5–9: Games, stationery, DVDs, books, puzzles, word searches

•  9–12: Toys, stationery, DVDs, books, t-shirts, gloves, scarves, hats

• 12–16: Books, age-appropriate games, gloves, scarves, hats, t-shirts, electronic games

Girls

• 0–3: Dolls, teddy bears, cot mobiles, baby clothes, bath toys, nursery rhyme CDs, puzzles, books

•3–5: Dolls, colouring sets, pencils, crayons, DVDs, books, puzzles

• 5–9: Educational games, stationery, DVDs, books, puzzles, word searches, crosswords

•9–12: Games, stationery, DVDs, books, t-shirts, hair accessories, make-up

•12–16: Books, make-up and toiletries, gloves, scarves, hats, t-shirts, hair accessories

Christmas Hamper Items

We’re collecting festive food items to create hampers filled with seasonal treats. Suggested donations include:

• Selection boxes, tubs of sweets, chocolates, After Eights

• Christmas puddings, cakes, mince pies, chocolate yule logs

•  Savoury snacks: Pringles, breadsticks, cheese biscuits

• Pantry staples: custard, jam, marmalade, tinned fruit, stuffing, Bisto

• ot drinks: tea bags, coffee, hot chocolate

•Breakfast items: Kellogg’s variety packs

•Tinned meats: Danish ham

Each hamper will also include a gift voucher to allow recipients to purchase fresh, perishable items.

Drop-Off Locations

Donation boxes will be available at: Fields,The Co-op, The Post Office, Waitrose, TheToy Shop, Lidl, Bowling Club, Cricket Club

Join Us at the Light Switch-On

Come meet us and celebrate the season at the Sidmouth town light switch-on: 

Saturday, 22nd November 2025

Make a Donation

You can support the appeal financially via bank transfer to

Rotary Club of Sidmouth Trust Fund  08-92-99  Account 67273731 or by donating below.